Exciting draw in 17s

On a day when many of the Warragul netball teams faced ladder leaders in the grade, the 17 and under team fought out a close battle to draw with Leongatha.

A grade: Warragul 43 lost to Leongatha 77
It was a great day for some netball on Saturday, until it wasn't. The Gulls were slow to start, but after the first quarter they came out firing and steadily chipped away at the deficit.
Lily Fullgrabe provided a strong target in goals and was well supported by Bella Hefford, with both shooting accurately throughout the match. Brooke Cahill created plenty of opportunities with her defensive pressure, generating valuable turnovers and giving the attack end every chance to close the gap.
The rain arrived in the final quarter, making conditions difficult and ball conversion challenging for the Gulls. Despite the result, the game showcased just how good this group can be when they are at their best.
A real positive for the club was the average age of the players on court was just under 18 years old, highlighting the exciting young talent coming through and providing plenty of optimism for the future of the club.
Awards: Lilly Fullgrabe, Bella Hefford, Brooke Cahill
B grade: Warragul 23 lost to Leongatha 89
B grade faced a tough challenge against ladder leaders Leongatha on Saturday, with the visitors showing why they sit on top of the Gippsland League standings.
Despite the final score, the Gulls continued to battle hard for four quarters, showing plenty of determination against one of the competition's benchmark sides.
Warragul worked tirelessly through the midcourt and defence and never dropped their intensity, with the young side continuing to gain valuable experience against quality opposition. While Leongatha's accuracy and ball movement proved difficult to contain, the Gulls remained committed throughout the contest and will take positives into next week's match.
Awards: Ellie Beechey Danvers, Cara Gavin, Ruby Ostojic
C grade: Warragul 16 lost to Leongatha 67
C grade faced the competition's ladder leaders and despite the result, showed plenty of determination across all four quarters.
The Gulls continued to work hard against a polished Leongatha outfit, competing strongly and never dropping their intensity. Warragul battled hard to create scoring opportunities and showed great resilience throughout the contest.
While the result didn't go their way, the match provided valuable experience against one of the Gippsland League's strongest teams as the Gulls continue to build through the season.
Award winners: Lauren Perry, Rebecca Murnane, Sophia Larkin
17 and under: Warragul 34 drew with Leongatha 34
What a tight and exciting contest and a competitive game right to the final whistle. The team showed great strength in attack whilst applying constant defensive pressure.
The gaolers worked in unison with a second half focus on rebounds. Multiple intercepts gave the Gulls an opportunity to capitalise on the scoreboard.
The Gulls should be proud of the way they maintained composure under pressure.
Awards: Amelia Henry, Matilda Logan, Sapphire Pratt
15 and under: Warragul 8 lost to Leongatha 60
The Gulls faced a tough game against Leongatha.
A special mention to Sienna Brien, who played a fantastic game in GA, showing confidence and resilience throughout the match.
Billie Gray worked hard across multiple positions and displayed strong attacking skills. The team also welcomed the return of Sienna Jones after four weeks out with an ankle injury, proving a valuable asset in the goal circle.
Despite the result, the girls continued to battle hard all game.
13 and under: Warragul 23 lost to Leongatha 30
The 13s fought hard in a competitive contest. The girls showed great determination throughout the match, with the second and third quarters proving particularly close as Warragul matched it with their opponents.
Despite a strong effort, Leongatha finished the stronger side in the final term to secure the win.
Award winners were Tilly Hodge, who worked tirelessly in the goals and provided a strong target in attack; Ella Carpenter, who was outstanding in goal defence with her pressure and intercepts, and Lailah Sykes whose hard-running and teamwork through the midcourt helped drive Warragul forward all game.