JUST one Junior M-League match went ahead last Wednesday night, with a court clash forcing some rescheduling and divisional byes. In that match, St Therese defeated Melbourne Up & Comers by nine goals in a 14 and Under fixture on Court 2. The match took place at an earlier timeslot of 6pm, and in a shortened match, won 26-17.

St Therese and Melbourne Up & Comers played 12-minute quarters in the match, which resulted in the lower scoring game. This was due to the fact the match had to be shifted from 7pm to the earlier 6pm slot, and allowed players time to arrive. Due to the shorter time frame to play the match, the quarters were reduced by three minutes each.

In the match itself, the favourites took an early lead, scoring six goals to four in the opening term to hold a two-goal buffer at the first break. Melbourne Up & Comers were not going to go away easily though, matching it with St Therese in the second, as both teams scoring six goals. A dominant 11 goals to three third term was ultimately the difference in the match, with St Therese building enough of a buffer the side was able to gain some breathing space even with Melbourne Up & Comers winning the final term, 4-3.

Wynter Morgan Eeles shared the shooting circle with Brodie Lilly as the pair shot 13 goals apiece in the victory, providing unpredictability in the circle. Though they were standouts for their side, Melbourne Up & Comers had a couple of impressive players too. Cameron Lindell worked hard through centre an wing attack, while Lawson McCleish shot nine of his side’s 17 goals.

The 14 and Unders will have a divisional bye this week with the 17 and Under grade to return and play at 6pm on Wednesday, December 7. Like the 14 and Under division in Round 8, the 17 and Under matches will be reduced to 12-minute quarters in order to finish ahead of 7pm. The factor behind the moves were the lower court availabilities over the two week period as advised by Netball Victoria and the State Netball Hockey Centre.