In the A Grade match of the round for round two of Wimmera league netball, Stawell scored a nail-biting win against Minyip-Murtoa. 

Just one goal separated the two sides at quarter time and the main break, before the Warriors made their break in the third term to take a five-goal lead, which they maintained until the end.

Stawell co-coach Jemma Clarkson said it was a tight, tough match.

“It was highly contested from the start all the way through to the end of the last quarter. So we had to really battle for the win and the girls did a great job of really working hard,” she said. 

“It was a really hard fought game and credit to Minyip-Murtoa, they played a really great game.”

Clarkson said positional changes in goals at quarter time were integral to Stawell’s win as Ebony Summers moved from goal shooter to goal attack.

“She’s moving beautifully in the ring and shooting really accurately this year so far. She’s one of our captains and she’s really stepped up and embraced that role and being a real leader on the court for us,” she said.

Other players to impress were goal defence Lisa Considine and Madi Taylor in wing attack.

“Lisa just plugs away all game and gets hands to balls and intercepts at vital moments... and Madi just works hard all game, fed the goals beautifully, and took a few great mid-court intercepts as well,” Clarkson said.

The A Grade veteran said the new rolling substitute rule was proving an important addition to the game.

“It’s probably a little bit more of a challenge for co-coach Rachel Wood and I because we play and coach, so we’re on the court sort of wondering if we need to make that decision, but we have got great people on our bench, too, who take that pressure off us in that sense and are able to make a call if they think we need it,” Clarkson said.

“I think it’s allowing a bit more free-flowing netball instead of seeing someone call an injury just to get someone to swap. 

“It’s really allowing teams just to make quick changes without stopping the flow or the play of the game.”

The Warriors’ attention now turns to Dimboola, who come off a 44-26 win over Nhill.

“It’s going to be another tough game I think, which is really great for the competition at the moment. I think the spread is quite even across all the clubs, which is wonderful,” she said.

“Dimboola is very versatile. They’ve some really great, reliable players amongst them, and some terrific height, too, which is always hard to combat.”

In other round two matches, Horsham Saints scored a solid 65-48 win against Horsham Demons on Anzac Day, while Warrack Eagles defeated Ararat 46-33.

Ararat will host Southern Mallee Thunder on Saturday, while Minyip-Murtoa plays Horsham and Saints will play Warrack Eagles.

– Lauren Henry

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