A Grade Netball
Violet Town 39 defeated Avenel 33
The KDL’s netball news this week was Violet Town’s upset win over the Avenel Swans at Violet Town.
Coming into the match as 10th placed underdogs, with Avenel in 5th on the ladder, the Towners pulled off an impressive and unexpected win over a very strong opponent.
From the first whistle the intensity was high, and the Towners brought a level of focus and determination that set the tone for the match.
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It was a true team performance, with every player stepping up and contributing when it counted most.
The defensive pressure from Kolby and Alex was relentless, forcing turnovers and disrupting Avenel’s rhythm, while the midcourt trio of Kayla, Jo, and Ash worked tirelessly to transition the ball.
In the ring, the Violet Town shooters held their nerve and capitalised on opportunities with calm, well-timed execution.
Avenel’s Briodie Robinson held firm up front, while Lou Jones gave her all.
A huge boost for the Towners was having Jacqui Bast back on court after injury, slotting straight back into the goal ring to make an immediate impact, providing strong leads, sharp movement, and steady hands under the post.
Her presence lifted the whole team and gave the attack a real focal point.
Avenel coach Georgia Velt urged her team at half time to dig deep and hold any lead, asking them to get back to basics and not rush through the midcourt.
“We need to be calm and then re-adjust out speed up forward,” she said.
However, it was not enough, and the Towners’ discipline and game smarts held fast, as they executed a calculated, controlled game that wore Avenel down.
A heavy tumble by Ash McDonald in the last quarter after playing so well in centre, held up the game for ten minutes, allowing all players to regroup, but Violet Town prevailed.
Despite areas to refine, particularly around consistency and decision-making, the game was a massive step in the right direction for the Towners while Velt will take heart that her charges have the maturity to hit the track and get back on the winning horse next round.
Towners first-year coach Jessie Kipping said the victory was well-deserved.
“We’re now starting to implement some of the things we’re doing at training,” she said.
The win was a huge confidence boost as the Towners head into the final part of the season.
Violet Town awards went to Kayla Gracie and Jacqui Bast.
“Jacqui has returned and played goal attack and had a key input,” Kipping said.
“Alex Jennings filled in at defence and she was a key part with good reach and with rebounding.”
Velt commended Robinson, playing her first season in Avenel's A Grade.
“She has stepped up with some great strength this year and is finding her feet in the A Grade side.”
Violet Town host Tallygaroopna next week, while Avenel has the bye.
B Grade
Violet Town 41 defeated Avenel 34
Every game is a must-win for the Towners if they are to move up from 7th into 6th spot and secure a chance to play finals.
It was a fiercely contested match physically, but Towners stood strong and earned the four points with style.
After a strong first quarter, the rest of the match was very close, with Avenel getting to within two goals in the early stages of the last quarter. But with the aid of their two youngest players in goals, Towners moved ahead with precision passing, intense pressure, and some excellent shooting. Towners were thanking the rain Gods for staying away until they had finished playing and secured the win after a strong final five minutes in the last quarter.
Awards went to Ash Antonis and Macey Ross.
C Grade
Violet Town 42 defeated Avenel 32
Towners and Avenel played out a highly contested match with each team chasing the elusive 6th spot on the ladder and the chance to make finals.
The match was very even for the first three quarters, with Towners moving up a gear in the last to take out a comfortable win.
Courtney Pilcher and Stacey Karolidis were in control in offence, with Lauren Coulbourn and Bianca Robins settling the team with intelligence by slowing things down and steadying the group.
Another tick on the Towners road to finals.
Awards went to Courtney Pilcher and Stacey Karolidis.
C Reserve
Violet Town 22 defeated by Avenel 42
Towners had a great first quarter with some fantastic passages of play, finding the shooters who were shooting beautifully.
Defensively, they came up with some great intercepts and rebounds, which allowed them to get into the game.
In the second quarter, Avenel lifted their defensive pressure and forced Towners to make some errors in attack, which resulted in Avenel getting more opportunities to score.
This continued in the third quarter, but the Towners were able to settle and started to go back to finding each other in attack, having some great passages of play to finish the game off strongly.
Awards went to Maria Michalowski and Lauren Manley
17 & Under
Final score Violet Town 51 defeated Avenel 11
After a solid performance last week, the Towners started strong in attack, with some great passages of play down the court, continuing into the second quarter, playing with confidence, and resulting in some fantastic intercepts and deflections, making it hard for Avenel to find their attackers.
In the second half of the game, Violet Town lifted their defensive pressure, reducing Avenel's ability to take the ball down the court.
They worked hard in attack, having many options, finding the shooters with ease, and pushing hard to the end to finish the game with a strong win.
Awards went to Ash Antonis and Matilda Kubeil.
Under 13s
Violet Town 12 defeated by Avenel 23
A steady game the Under 13s this week, with a few areas to work on, particularly passing and decision-making under pressure.
While it wasn’t their strongest outing, there were still some great moments and plenty of effort across the court.
It was especially encouraging to see our younger players stepping up and giving it their all, showing real promise for the future.
A special shoutout to Bella, who played her 50th club game, an amazing milestone and a reflection of her dedication to the club. Well done, Bella!
Awards Billy and Sophie
Under 11s
Violet Town 40 defeated Avenel 2
What a performance from Towners Under 11s this week!
The girls came out firing and never looked back, finishing with a dominant 40–2 win.
It was a true team effort, with every single player giving it their all from start to finish.
The improvement across the season has been incredible to watch, and this game was a perfect reflection of just how far the team has come.
From sharp passes to strong leads and solid defence, everything clicked on the court.
The coaches are beyond proud of the growth, determination, and teamwork these girls continue to show every week. Bring on the next challenge!
Awards went to Emmie and Arabella.
