UNDER 13
By LIZ BICKERTON
IT was a perfect autumn afternoon, with the sun shining warmly, for the Euroa under 13s netball match against the Greater Shepparton Secondary College Geckos.
From the outset, it was clear the girls were facing a strong side and would need to bring their best effort.
The first quarter did not disappoint, and a thrilling contest was under way.
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Ayla in wing defence, Lucy in centre, and Crystal in wing attack combined well with clever passes and intercepts through the mid court, feeding the ball into Riley and Chloe in the goal circle.
With solid defending from Piper in goal keeper and Zoe in goal defence, Euroa led by three goals.
The girls remained focused and determined throughout the second quarter.
Lucy, now in wing defence, provided excellent back-up and chased down loose balls to deliver them to Crystal in centre and Ayla in wing attack.
The whole team applied consistent pressure, maintaining composure under intensity from the opposition.
The Geckos closed the gap, scoring four goals to Euroa’s three, despite valiant defending from Piper and Zoe.
The third quarter truly lived up to its reputation as the premiership quarter and the girls came out strong, scoring three quick goals after which the Geckos responded with five, levelling the score.
However, Riley and Jess, accurate as ever, added four more goals to put Euroa ahead by four at the final break.
In the final term, multiple turnovers were created through outstanding attacking from Crystal in wing attack and Zoe, who stepped into centre.
Lucy showed great versatility, switching into goal defence, and with excellent support from Piper in goal keeper, the team restricted the Geckos to just two goals.
Chloe and Jess were a formidable pairing in the goal circle, scoring nine goals between them.
A highlight was Chloe’s delighted reaction after netting several impressive shots.
The team fought hard across all four quarters, demonstrating cohesion, skill and determination, earning a well-deserved win in what was one of the season’s most exciting games.
Lucy was awarded the coach’s best on ground for a dynamic and high-impact performance.
SCOREBOARD: Euroa 26 defeated Greater Shepparton Secondary College 15
UNDER 13s SECONDARY
By BRENT GORDON
EUROA's under 13 netball team faced a strong Echuca side on Saturday, in a game that showcased the girls’ fighting spirit and adaptability.
Despite a challenging start, the team dug deep, making strategic changes and demonstrating impressive individual efforts throughout the match.
The first quarter began with a messy start for Euroa, with several turnovers in attack making it difficult to convert early opportunities.
However, the defence was strong from the outset.
Molly, playing in centre, was outstanding and constantly tipping the ball and disrupting Echuca’s flow.
Issy playing in goal defence and impressed with her well-timed intercepts.
The defensive unit, including Leila in wing defence and Isla in goal keeper, worked hard and continually contested possession.
In the second quarter, the team created more opportunities in the forward half with Ava in goal attack and Evie in wing attack working tirelessly.
Zara was also instrumental, providing strong options both inside and outside the goal ring.
Coach Melinda made some decisive changes at halftime, which quickly paid off, notably Isla moving to goal shooter early in the quarter to match Echuca’s tall defenders.
The changes had an immediate impact, highlighting the team’s ability to adapt and respond; however, Echuca pulled away on the scoreboard.
The team pushed hard in a determined final quarter to finish strongly and led for much of the period.
Ava and Evie combined well in the ring, displaying improved accuracy and teamwork under pressure.
Every player gave their all until the final whistle and a testament to their commitment and team spirit.
SCOREBOARD: Euroa 16 defeated by Echuca 31
The award went to Molly for her continued effort throughout the game across multiple positions.
UNDER 11s
By LIZ BICKERTON
THE morning sun shone from a blue, cloudless sky on the last day of autumn as the Euroa under 11s team took to the court against Guthrie Street Primary School.
From the first whistle, it was clear Euroa faced strong opposition and a tough game ahead.
The first quarter saw both teams goalless due to exceptional defensive pressure from both sides.
Lexi, in goal keeper, delivered outstanding, aggressive defence and blocked many of the opposition’s scoring attempts.
Paige, playing centre, covered the entire court and worked seamlessly with Lilly in goal attack and Eden in wing attack, executing clever passes.
The second quarter remained tightly contested, with the teams going goal for goal.
Holley, in goal defence, impressed by pushing forward for a centre pass option.
In the midcourt, Eden, Scarlett, and Ella moved the ball quickly and accurately, setting up Matilda and Lilly in the goal circle.
Smart passes and fantastic intercepts allowed Euroa to keep up momentum, scoring three goals.
In the third quarter, the combination of Ella in wing defence, Clare in goal defence, and Lexi in goal keeper worked superbly as a defensive unit.
Their communication and teamwork restricted Guthrie Street’s opportunities.
However, the opposition managed two goals while keeping Euroa scoreless.
The score did not reflect the closeness of the contest.
In the final quarter, Euroa showed heart and determination against a polished side.
Paige in goal attack and Matilda in goal shooter impressed with their composure and accuracy, finding space and scoring under pressure.
Clare in goal defence and Holley in goal keeper continued applying tight defensive pressure.
In the midcourt, Eden, Ella, and Ava demonstrated strong intercepts and delivered precise passes into the goal circle.
Although Guthrie Street finished ahead, Euroa demonstrated clear improvement, resilience, and admirable sportsmanship.
Each team member made a valuable contribution, and the team's cohesion grows week by week.
Lexi was awarded the coach’s award for her strong performance.
SCOREBOARD: Euroa 7 defeated by Guthrie Street Primary School 12
UNDER 15s SECTION THREE
By TRACEY JOHNSON
THE first quarter whistle blew and Euroa jumped straight into hard defence against All Saints, who sit at the top of the ladder.
Goal defence Heidi Wales and goal keeper Adelaide Downey worked tirelessly, making sharp intercepts that stopped a number of passes reaching the All Saints goal ring. The pair worked in unison to transition the ball to mid court, where powerhouse wing attack Mabel Tilton delivered to Euroa’s goal ring.
Brianna Maher capitalised, shooting a couple of quick goals.
The team began to fire up, despite All Saints holding a small lead.
In the second quarter, the girls settled into their positions and executed a series of quick goals from goal shooter Audrey Anderson and goal attack Brianna Maher.
This was again assisted by Mabel’s quick catches and superb intercepts, along with the ever-quick centre Heidi Stallard.
Their centre passes were sharp.
Wing defence Bridie Simpson caught several strong, long passes and applied great pressure on All Saints.
Scoring eight goals this quarter, Euroa closed the gap to trail by five goals and then continued the pressure in the third quarter.
Wing defence Anika Glasbergen made several beautiful intercepts and worked well with Heidi Wales in goal defence to shut down the tall All Saints players.
Audrey, now in centre, worked tirelessly to match her opponent, staying in the game throughout.
Bridie, now in goal attack, combined seamlessly with Brianna to score smooth goals.
However, All Saints remained determined and outscored Euroa for the quarter.
In the fourth quarter, the Euroa girls remained confident and grew louder with their call-outs - they wanted the win.
Brilliant, fast intercepts by Adelaide and Heidi Wales again prevented many scoring opportunities for All Saints.
The defenders had studied the play of the All Saints goal shooter and goal attack and used that understanding to their advantage.
Meanwhile, Bridie, Heidi Stallard and Brianna worked hard to move the ball down the court.
Euroa scored a few more goals.
Despite being beaten 15 to 30, the entire team maintained pressure and effort for the duration of the match.
Most shots on goal were on target, forcing All Saints to work hard for their win.
Epic Player of the Week was awarded to Heidi Wales for her consistent and strong defensive skills.
