NETBALL
A Grade
In A Grade the top five teams have established a three game break over the bottom five. Monbulk and Pakenham currently find themselves in the latter category and a close game was anticipated. The Lions had other plans and consistent defensive pressure cost the Hawks possession in the opening term, and a five goal deficit on the scoreboard. The match tightened up over the next two terms, as the lights had to be turned on in the gloomy conditions, and there were just a few goals separating the sides at three quarter time. Pakenham then broke the shackles in the last quarter to score 16-7 and ran out convincing winners.
Monbulk 38 def by Pakenham 50
Best: Paige Whitworth, Sophie Stubbs, Peri Reid
Goals: Peri Reid 35, Jen Dewhurst 3
B Grade
Monbulk’s B Grade team started the day in 5th place and faced a Pakenham outfit that was just half a game behind. The Hawks started well and had the game on their terms in the first half, holding a four goal break after the second term. The Lions then produced a match winning 18-6 third term to seize control of the match, and then maintained their lead to the final bell. The loss sees the Hawks slip to seventh.
Monbulk 38 def by Pakenham 46
Best: Siobhan Munday, Dayna Walsham, Alice McCormick
Goals: Paige Rondinella 26, Dayna Walsham 12
C Grade
There was little separating Monbulk and Pakenham on the ladder going into this match and the game itself was just as tight. The Hawks grabbed an early lead by a couple of goals before the game was all tied up by half time. It continued to be a gripping encounter through the second half, going goal for goal, however Pakenham edged ahead and were then able to maintain their slender lead to notch a two goal win.
Monbulk 28 def by Pakenham 30
Best: Jamie Sands, Courtney Witt, Tasha Selby
Goals: Jamie Sands 24, Laura Del Biondo 4
D Grade
The overnight drizzle left the D Grade team opening proceedings on a slippery court surface in the morning. Pakenham had height and experience on their side but the tenacious young Hawks never gave up, even when scoring was limited, with their three smallest players leading the way.
Monbulk 10 def by Pakenham 36
Best: Kate Smith, Brooke O’Loughlin, Hannah Dickason
Goals: Kate Smith 5, Eireann Lawson 3, Natalie Rankin 2
