Whenever NSW take on Victoria on the netball court you know it’s going to be a tough encounter and the Round 9 games at the 2022 National Netball Championships in Hobart did not disappoint.
The results meant that NSW kept their 100% records across the 17s and 19s Divisions, keeping both top of their respective tables at the end of Round play.
17U NSW 40 Victoria 20
Victoria came out hard and the first quarter and it was a tight back and forth tussle ending at 9-9. In the second quarter NSW came out firing. Midcourters Hope White and Eliza McKenzie demonstrated a maturity beyond their years in their decision making and flair, and Grace Whyte was a dominant powerhouse in the shooting circle. In defence the dynamic duo of Eugenie Little and Freddie Schneiderman, supported by full court pressure from the whole team, pulled off a very rare feat and kept Victoria scoreless for a full quarter.
19U NSW 39 Victoria 35
Both teams came out firing, determined to assert dominance in this important Round 9 clash. Coach Huggett was thrilled that her girls stuck to their plan. The team was disciplined in attack and all contributed strongly in defence. Audrey Little, Charlotte Smith and Ella Johnson were outstanding in this game: between them they took a spectacular series of steals and were integral in defensive pressure that wore Victoria down. The calm composure and accuracy of Millie Roach, Lucy Matthews and Kiara Bloor in the shooting circle ensured that the hard work in defence was rewarded.
17U NSW 41 ACT 20
NSW started with confidence, taking the first nine goals before ACT found their rhythm. Hastings Valley athlete, Laicy Costigan was a strong contributor in the midcourt and she fed the circle well and secured important turnovers in defence. In defence Brooke Rooney was strong and Jayla Dicker impressed in goal attack by hitting a string of long range shots.
19U NSW 59 NT 18
NSW found good rhythm against Northern Territory despite some strong performances from the Territorians including Central Coast Heart and QBE Swifts Academy athlete Zoe Peden who was playing as an import player.
