ROUND 14 of the Victorian Netball League (VNL) saw some big results as we head towards the final rounds of the season. The top five sides all beat their respective Round 14 opposition meaning no ladder changes occurred this week though the North East Blaze do have on opportunity to jump ahead into second with a big win next round. Meanwhile, Hawks Netball encountered some big milestones.

Boroondara Express (52) defeated by Casey Demons (68)

Casey Demons were all but unstoppable against Boroondara Express in Round 14, piling on the pressure from the get-go and shooting 23 goals to eight in the first term to set up a stellar win. With the likes of Erin Bell (28 goals from 32 attempts at 88 per cent) and Emma Ryde (31 from 34 at 92 per cent) at the post, Casey had no issue putting shots up and wreaking havoc across the court. Kassidy Withers played a vital role early in wing attack, feeding well into the circle and providing a valuable asset under the post in the second and final quarters with Ryde set to play in the Australian Netball League (ANL) finals on the weekend. Despite struggling with accuracy, Express put in a solid effort rotating through their shooters. Clare Vearing was the topscorer with 38 from 43 in goal shooter, while Anastasia Hamill and Isabelle Hodgson played their role assisting in goal attack, combining for 14 goals and taking some of the pressure off Vearing. Defenders, Isabella Brown, Caitlyn Degaris and Rachel Leader did what they could against Casey’s speedy attack, using their good hands over pressure to create turnovers.

Geelong Cougars (50) defeated Peninsula Waves (38)

It was a low scoring match between the Cougars and Waves, with both sides piling on the defensive pressure to deny easy ball into the circle. An eight goal half time lead was enough for Geelong to cement the victory, building on the lead to beat Waves by 12 goals and hold onto second position on the ladder. Ruby Horton and Julia Wooley put in a solid performance for the Cougars, while Bridgette Furphy assisted when necessary as the trio combined for 50 goals from 68 attempts at 74 per cent accuracy credit to the defensive efforts of Waves defenders. However the Cougars’ defensive efforts proved stronger, keeping the likes of Gabby Dwyer and Madeline Morrison quiet at the post with Tori Honner and Jess Standfield dominating possession thanks to their timing and rebounding ability. The defensive pair continue to provide a massive threat, credit to the partnership they have curated.

North East Blaze (69) defeated Ariels (46)

Blaze got the start they needed to continue their good form this week, edging closer to Geelong on the ladder while sitting comfortably in third and dealing the Ariels another 20 goal blow. It was a dominant second quarter effort from the Blaze that saw them dominate, shooting 21 goals to 10. Libby Nicol dominated at the post for Blaze, shooting an impeccable 55 from 57 at 97 per cent, well aided by Sarah Hogan and Kaylah Loulanting who combined for 14 goals, able to turn and shoot if need be. Georgia Bowkett showed off some of her defensive versatility, switching through wing defence and goal keeper and moving well with Tayissa Coppinger and Kaitlyn Black to deny access to Ariels shooters, Stacey Gannon (20 from 30) and Alex Maher (25 from 27). Opposition centres, Kali Dolphin and Montana Holmes were well matched, running out three quarters apiece and putting the other through the ringer.

Southern Saints (63) defeated Hawks Netball (50)

Hawks Netball were so close yet so far in Round 14, keeping within 10 goals of fourth ranked Southern Saints for majority of the match before an 18 goal to 14 final quarter saw the Saints finally pull away for the 13 goal win. It was the shared effort at the post between Sam Silvester (46 from 49) and Sinead Lumsden (17 from 21) that got the Saints over the line, with the pair combining for 90 per cent as they evaded Hawks defenders, Clare Johnson and Shannon Rennison. Hawks’ Tayla Kearns played her 100th VNL game while Lil O’Sullivan took the court for her 200th VNL match and Kim Commane played her first match back in the VNL after playing in England’s Vitality Netball Superleague (VNSL). Commane was her consistent self, shooting a bag a quarter to finish with 41 goals from 45 attempts but was mostly unassisted by Tayla Shannon and Shae Gee rotating through goal attack, combining for only nine goals from 16 attempts. Saints’ Steph McNay was at her best defensively, using her reach to deny easy ball into Commane.

City West Falcons (57) defeated Melbourne University Lightning (42)

City West Falcons got off to a lightning start against Melbourne Uni with an 18 goal to nine first term all but solidifying the win in the early stages of the match. The Lightning seemed unable to sort out their connections on court, rotating through combinations with the likes of Shae Brown rotated through a different position every quarter as the side fought for a combination that worked. Four different players entered the shooting circle with Rebecca Winch the most consistent fixture with 19 from 26, while Taylin Gourley, Mikaela Vaughan and Brown all had a turn in the circle to combine for 23 from 37 at just over 60 per cent. Full credit to the defensive efforts of the Falcons who still sit undefeated at the top of the ladder, with Zoe Davies and Sarah Szczykulski running Uni’s attack to the ground. Meanwhile, Uneeq Palavi starred in the circle to topscore with 30 from 32, well aided by Jessie Barnes (15 from 20) and Tahnysha Salanoa (12 from 13).