Three Hawks teams continue in finals
Week one of Gippsland League finals saw three of Drouin's four netball teams progress through to a second week of finals action.
A grade: Drouin 51 def Bairnsdale 29
Drouin played a fantastic team game to score a convincing win. Stacie Gardiner and Ava Gaul's pressure out front was phenomenal, allowing defenders Lucy McKellar and Eb Mumford to separate the goalers and attack the ball.
In attack, Drouin played with confidence and moved the ball well to open up Charlize Traumanis and Mwai Kumwenda.
Stacie Gardiner was awarded player of the match from the umpires for her strong performance in the centre.
Drouin will now face reigning premiers Moe with both teams at full strength, for the chance to gain a grand final spot.
Awards: Eb Mumford
B grade: Drouin 43 def Moe 38
This was a close, physical contest throughout with Drouin just gaining the ascendancy when it counted the most. Both teams gave their all and there was nothing separating them with scores tied at the final break.
Drouin's goalers stood strong under enormous pressure, rewarding the hard work from the defenders.
Sarah Roughead and Chelsea deRiter were phenomenal in defence, creating countless turnovers. Alice McKellar came on in wing defence and provided immense pressure in the midcourt, allowing Sarah and Chelsea to fly for intercepts. The combination of speed and smarts in the attack end was exceptional.
The change up of Cleo Traumanis into goal attack in the final quarter was perfectly timed and she had great impact. Drouin now take on Leongatha in the second semi on Saturday at Morwell, knowing they have the game to match it with any opposition.
Awards: Sarah Roughead and Chelsea deRiter
C grade: Morwell 39 def Drouin 28
Unfortunately for Drouin, Morwell settled better into finals netball and got out to an early lead. Drouin's defenders Niki Bryce and Jess Murray were able to create turnovers, assisted by Miley Kelly's pressure and work rate at wing defence.
By half time, Drouin had a significant margin to overcome. Drouin made some changes in the second half with young guns Alual Majak (GK) and Amber Hammond (GS) injected into the game. Alual made an impact at goal keeper, her footwork forcing many errors. Amber was strong and confident in goals, capitalising on the opportunities from turnover ball in the second half.
Drouin won the second half but Morwell's lead was too large to close. Drouin now play Traralgon in the cut-throat first semi -final at Leongatha on Sunday to keep their finals hopes alive.
Awards: Amber Hammond
17 and under: Sale 48 def Drouin 28
It was a must win game for the 17s to keep their finals series alive but it wasn't their day.
Sale started strongly and got out to an early lead. Drouin tried many different combinations in an effort to get back into the game but Sale remained composed throughout.
Credit to Sale who adapted to the finals pressure and took the game on. Making finals was a great achievement for the team, gaining invaluable experience that will benefit them all in the future.
