Although the sun shined, the Yarras day wasn’t as bright.
Start reading your form guide for the ‘Day at the Races’ at the Den on 5th May.
The sun was shining, and that alone was a win for the C Reserve Netballers after the total washout of last week, but that didn’t stop some of us still having a sulk that it was a bit too hot. We’re hard to please. That aside, C Res took on Clayton this week, and the strategies were to apply pressure all the way down the court and to be patient – a simple yet effective strategy from coaches Bron and Jess that saw the girls start off on a great note, that saw us in the lead at quarter time. This week’s best on, Alex ‘Intercept Queen’ Gandini took no prisoners on the intercept front…no ball was too high or too out of reach for her and we quickly lost count at how many turnovers she clocked up. Give the ball to Han Bevis or Jules Telfer and a goal would be scored. The girls couldn’t miss this week and moved around that goal circle like absolute weapons. Candice Bodger and Annie Lee were again on fire in defense with holds and arms that would frustrate any shooter. Providing turnover after turnover it really was a dream to watch. Kez Spencer was an incredible welcome to the side this week moving down the midcourt with more grace than a ballerina, and without any subs to rely on the girls did an incredible fighting off the jelly legs. South Yarra C Res took the win over Clayton 58 to 32, an outstanding effort from the girls.
Nerves and excitement had been mounting since round 1’s washout and the B Grade girls were eager to take the court for round 2. Heatherton Black proved to be tough competition and saw the girls having to fight hard for every ball. Mad Lennox and Bronwen Rees worked tirelessly in the defensive end, putting pressure on the Heatherton shooters which allowed the Yarras to win the first quarter. Sarah Dalbosco, Gemma Mulqueen and Beth Griffiths played a strategic mid court and were able to settle the play in order to bring the ball down to the attacking end. Kate Shevlin and Hannah Lyon used the ring to their advantage, quickly learning that patience was key. Changes throughout the game saw Meg Howlett take the court and although injured, play like a true lioness – determined and hungry for the ball, she pushed through pain and took control of the centre court. Although the Yarras were defeated by 9 goals, the determination and skill that was displayed on court was inspiring. For her outstanding work in defence and her positive energy on the court, Mad Lennox was awarded best on court. With room for improvement and a hell of a lot of potential, the B grade girls are excited for what is to come. Watch this space! Roar! Result: 26 to 35
It was the first game for A Grade Netball after a false start in round 1, our conversion from training mates to teammates was almost as seamless as our transition from complaining about wet weather to complaining about sunny weather. With three key outs, B Grade kindly lent Olivia and Greta who stepped up to the job exceptionally well, with their relentless pressure and versatility a huge asset for us. Jess Porters defensive pressure down the whole court assisted the ever agile and best on court Taylah to take numerous flying interceptions in the defensive end. Whilst we didn’t come away with the points, it was a very solid start to build on in the coming rounds. Yarras 31 def by Dingley 47
Saturday was a big morning for the Thirds, with their usually highly-organized and coordinated pre-game routine thrown into disarray by the unveiling of the hard-won 2017 flag. The unveiling not only represented the result of an incredible 2017 season, but also symbolised a line in the sand, as the team’s attention turned completely towards replicating their success in 2018. This approach was evident through the first half, as the team were able to shake off their compromised warm up and completely dominate the play. Starting in the unfamiliar surrounds of the centre square, Puddles thrived in his new role, dominating the clearances and allowing the Yarras to open up an early lead. Big man Brock once again flourished as target in the forward line, and Black Rock were left with few answers as he dominated seemingly every contest, kicking four in the first half. Despite the big loss of Mick Malone to a hamstring injury, the Yarras went into the main break fired up, with an eight-goal lead and a desire to consolidate their dominance in the second half. These plans were tested almost immediately in the second half, as Brock went down with what he initially feared may be a season-ending broken ankle (it wasn’t). Despite the offer of a stretcher to carry him off, Brock rose to his feet and was able to heroically hobble off the field to receive treatment. Brock’s loss also meant the loss of the team’s incredibly successful “kick it to Brock” strategy, and left the Yarras with an empty bench and a need to improvise. Fortunately, this was a challenge the team was up for! Led by another BOG performance from Vice Captain Pat Johnson (who finished with four goals of his own), the Yarras kicked four goals to one in the third quarter to increase their lead at the final change. The fourth quarter saw more carnage for South Yarra, with another ankle injury in the forward line, this time to star forward pocket Alex Bell in eerily similar circumstances to the scenes a quarter earlier. Despite an unassailable lead and obvious structural damage, Alex attempted to continue playing where Brock hadn’t, but was soon forced to come off, leaving South Yarra even more undermanned. An incident close to full time saw two more Yarras players leave the field, and left just fourteen players in the middle at the final siren. Despite being left undermanned, South Yarra were strong enough to never hand over control of the game. The team were able to emerge 90-point winners at full time, a victory made all the more satisfying by the circumstances they were left in and the way they responded.
It was a shootout in the Reserves at the Den. The Yarras had seven different goal kickers, including Presland with a Mark on the goal line, Zach received a gift from 15 metres out, Klomp got one from the boundary and then another very soon after from 50 metres out. Smith had countless goal assists and kicked three goals himself, and was a valuable contributor in the forward line. Bazant, Lange and Dorca also contributed with goals. Bazant was as ferocious and savage like the media onto a politician’s mistake. KP was strong in defence. Zach soared in the skies. Hounihan and Whyatt were the vital cogs in the Yarras rebound from defence and setting the play up for the forwards and scoring opportunities. The Yarras were lost in a high scoring match, 74 to 120.
A slow start from the Seniors and some costly skill errors meant we were lucky to go in to the main break only 14 points down. Despite a valiant effort from Scott and Adsy in the midfield, the backs saw far too much of the football in the second half. It kept coming in and Black Rock scored freely, proving far too good for us on the day.
Thank you to John Pesutto (Member for Hawthorn & Shadow Attorney General) for his support, Rodney Coote (Veteran) and MD Plan for their support and duties at the Den on the weekend.
Mixed results for the Veteran sides but both teams gave their all. The Over 45s lost in a thriller by 2 points. The Over 35s had a full team and kicked very straight and won by about 12 goals.
Special thank you to all of our sponsors including Brady Tiling, Hawthorn Hotel, Simply Health, Hunter Industrials, Safety-Wear, Avon Tyrepower, Bendigo Bank (Surrey Hills/ Canterbury/ Ashburton/ Balwyn), Merchant Electrical, MD Plan, and all 250 Club, past player members, partners and all Player sponsors.
Last Modified on 23/04/2018 14:49