A GRADE – PENOLA 71 d BORDER DISTRICTS 27
THE Penola A Grade side secured second spot on the Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Netball Association ladder after victory over Border Districts at McCorquindale Park on Saturday.
The Eagles produced another solid performance despite a couple of changes to the team including the return of Emily Winter.
Gorgia Robbie was named as the best player with multiple turnovers.
Her pressure enabled Brooke Klemm and Alana Winter to gain deflections and intercepts.
The middle led by second-best player Sally Skeer ran in hard all day and braved some tough collisions to feed with precision and seal a comfortable win.
A RESERVE – PENOLA 62 d BORDER DISTRICTS 17
PENOLA completed the minor-round season with a big win over Border Districts.
Under sunny skies, the Eagles played a scrappy opening term and only enjoyed a three-goal lead at quarter time.
However, Penola found its usual rhythm and extended the advantage to 19 goals by the main break.
Indi Venables was strong through the centre and claimed many turnovers, while Chelsea Bradley turned it on for the crowd with her defensive ability.
The pair were named as best players, but the highlight of the day was the A Reserves debut of promising young talent Tess Porter.
The 13-year-old got a chance to shine in the final quarter as the Eagles played a solid game to head into finals with momentum.
They will enjoy a week off, before taking on the winner of the two v three final the following week.
C GRADE – PENOLA 43 d BORDER DISTRICTS 26
A FLYING start from the Penola Eagles set up a home victory in C Grade.
The Eagles’ goalies combined well as Ruby Moore finished accurately.
Positional changes stifled Penola’s transitional play and flow, but it did re-settle in the windy conditions.
The Eagles finished off well sign off the minor-round season with a 17-goal win.
Sarah Pitt was named as best after she played a stellar match in the goal keeper role, while Jessica Lucas was consistent in front of goal.
17 AND UNDER – BORDER DISTRICTS 46 d PENOLA 24
BORDER Districts proved too strong for Penola in the Eagles’ final Under 17 game of the season.
Penola bounced back from a slow start in the first quarter to be only five goals down at the opening break.
The whole team started to lift in the second half, but started to fall behind on the scoreboard.
The last quarter was the Eagles’ best and all, but matched their formidable opposition which won by 22 goals.
Abbie Gartner and Kasey Morton led the charge with countless turn overs to earn top votes.
16 AND UNDER – BORDER DISTRICTS 39 d PENOLA 34
PENOLA’S 16 and Under season finished with a fighting performance against a strong Border Districts outfit.
The Eagles produced some excellent passages of play highlighted by their impressive defence.
But injury set back the home side in the third quarter.
Penola hit back with a late charge, but it was not enough and went down by just five goals.
Harmoniee Smith was the top Eagle who worked hard the whole game, Rene Merrett was solid in the goal ring.
15 AND UNDER – PENOLA 36 d BORDER DISTRICTS 31
THE 15 and Under competition finished on a high note under sunny skies for Penola with a close victory over Border Districts.
It was an evenly contested first half, but accurate shooting from Border Districts saw the visitors enjoy a five-goal lead at the big break.
The Eagles came out firing in the last term inspired by great defensive pressure.
Penola held its nerve and won after a thrilling nine-goal turnaround in the last quarter
Lucy Catlin and Amelia Henry were named as the best players.
13 AND UNDER A – BORDER DISTRICTS 34 d PENOLA 24
PENOLA fell short to Border Districts in its final 13 and Under A contest.
The Eagles matched their opposition in the opening stages, which went goal for goal.
After half time, Border Districts heightened its pressure across the court, which forced Penola to make errors.
The visitors took control and won by 10 goals.
Tess Porter and Rosie Moorhouse scored the top votes.
13 AND UNDER B
PENOLA finished its 13 and Under B season with a strong performance against Border Districts.
The young Eagles held their own throughout the whole game and executed their skills learnt in practice.
Coaches award winner Mia Gartner ran hard all day and applied immense to earn best-on-court honours.
Macey O’Brien turned it on in the last quarter and finished off well.
13 MOD
PENOLA’S youngest side put on a show in its last contest for the 2019 season.
The Eagles put on a spectacular show all over the court and showed impressive effort and commitment.
The encouraging performance saw the entire team earn a mention in the best.
