ROUND 10 of Men’s Premier Division was an interesting one, with many players taking the court for the first time against one another this season.

Similar to the Round 3 reverse fixturing, there were two blowouts and two closer matches marking the intensity of some of the sides in the competition as well as the difference between the lower and higher sides on the ladder. Pasifika Sharks delivered DDNA an eighth loss for the season, defeating the side by 26 goals (77-51) and well and truly making a mark as they leapfrogged Melbourne City Blackhawks to sit in fourth on the ladder. The Blackhawks had a frustrating match against Geelong Cougars, missing key players and going down by 11 goals (63-52) – though still a far better margin than their Round 3 meeting. Meanwhile, Sirens Netball reigned supreme over Ariels, dominating the contest to beat the bottom side by 15 goals (35-50), though the Ariels piled on the defensive pressure to keep the second-ranked Sirens to 50 goals.

The final match of the day saw Southern Seahawks well and truly take it to St Therese, only going down by eight goals after a blistering defensive-minded contest (54-62). The Seahawks piled on the pressure from the get-go, denying the Saints easy goals and forcing turnovers left, right and centre. However the Saints were just as impressive defensively, providing an exciting contest on every single loose ball and rocketing back down the court. The two sides were evenly matched to begin, with the predominantly defensive game starting out in a fairly attacking fashion to sit at 18 goals apiece at quarter time. Seahawks’ Bala Lange was solid as ever at the post, holding good ground early and working hard to open space in the goal circle to deny key Saints defender Dylan Nexhip access to turnover ball. Defence tightened up after half time however, with St Therese shooting 17 goals to nine after the main break before continuing to hold on in the final term despite a fight back from the Seahawks. The Saints well and truly caught on to the Seahawks’ movement in attack, with Nexhip and young gun Tristan Comans switching it up in the circle and forcing the ball high to create intercepting opportunities. The duo’s athletic ability came in handy, getting up high to apply pressure on the shot despite a clear height disadvantage. Connor Lilly and Josh Clavarino were prolific in goals for the Saints, sharing the load well with defensive pressure keeping them away from the post and ease of shorter range attempts.