Strong start for Hawks netballers with two wins

Drouin netballers had a positive start to the season with big wins in A grade and the 17 and under games.
A grade: Drouin 52 defeated Maffra 20
The spectators watched an A grade team step out onto the court who had no doubt in their mind that they were going to bring home the four points.
The girls worked hard to play their game - even when things got a little pushy. Ruby Pratt and April Bethune's return to the Hawks nest as well as getting Lucy McKellar back on court were huge positives, and brings a strong start to this season.
The defensive end was exciting to watch and the attacking line up was hitting the ring with precision to feed the goalers strong passes - they are a force to be reckoned with.
It was an exciting day watching the defence end intercepting, rebounding and just doing their job.
Who predicted them to finish between fourth and seventh place?
Awards: Lucy McKellar and Kym Diston.
B grade: Drouin 22 lost to Maffra 34
The Hawks didn't get the points for the ladder on Saturday.
The new B grade team are still working on trusting each other to be there and fast ball release.
Drouin had a lot of positive plays down court and some exciting interceptions. It would help if they could have removed the Glad Wrap off the goal rings!
Spectators are excited to see this group play more. They have the skills, ability and the want. First game of the new season nerves are now in the past and followers will be all looking forward to seeing the girls next week against a tough side in Traralgon.
The defence from Ali McArthur and Chelsea DeRiter was great to watch and got them best on court.
Awards: Ali McArthur and Chelsea DeRiter.
C grade: Drouin 23 lost to Maffra 37
It was a different start from previous season, with a new line-up who came to play.
The first and final quarter were amazingly strong, but the girls lost focus and timing in the middle two.
Some new combinations through the defence and midcourt were tried, developing versatility for the upcoming season.
Bailey Flemming worked hard in defence, whilst Ruby Pritchett was a woman for the whole court, moving from centre to wing attack and even goal defence.
Awards: Bailey Flemming and Ruby Pritchett
17 and under: Drouin 27 defeated Maffra 22
A few good strategies to win a netball game include communication down the court, consistent defensive pressure and making the most of every turnover.
This is exactly what this Hawks team did. The game showed what a good bond they already have as a team and everyone is looking forwards to the rest of the season.
Awards: Kelly Mills and Tilly Carroll.
15 and under: Drouin 11 lost to Maffra 52
It was a big challenge in the wet for the Hawks.
After a slow start and with a few girls out, they struggled to get their footing early on against some strong Maffra defence.
However, Drouin came back with a stronger second half. The shooting circle of Bella Tangipo and Sienna Arbon found their feet and landed some long range goals.
The midcourt applied some good defensive pressure with a few impressive intercepts by Leilani Lightowler and Chloe Walsh.
Mylie Stoll and Zoe Curtis applied some persistent defence in the ring, with both girls getting a lot of hands to ball as well as some clean intercepts.
Overall, it wasn't Drouin's day, but the team took some great positives to build on throughout the season.
Award: Zoe Curtis.
13 and under: Drouin 21 lost to Maffra 34
The Hawks started off strong with some amazing defensive pressure by Emmerson Kneebone and Amber Hammond. They also had great movement down the court.
Unfortunately, the Hawks weren't able to hold that standard over the four quarters. But there were so many positives and the coaches know these girls will get better each week.
Awards: Emmerson Kneebone and Chloe Walsh.