ROUND 16 of the Victorian Netball League saw the City West Falcons lose their first game of the season, while the Casey Demons and Geelong Cougars both recorded big wins against their opponents.

Hawks Netball (51) defeated Peninsula Waves (41)

It was an even start with both sides unable to be separated at quarter time before the Hawks kicked into gear finding some form down the court. They increased the lead at each break running out 10-goal victors against the Waves. The Hawks shooters were on song throughout the match unfazed by the changes in the goal circle with Kim Commane and Tayla Shannon shooting at a combined 92 percent. Shae Gee was also impressive under the post with the total of all three goalers sitting at 83 per cent for the match. Tayla Kearns and Enya Broadley were pivotal through the midcourt to feed the ball into the shooters. For the Waves, Kate Kelly-Oman played her 100th VNL game credit to her endurance and skill. The centre worked tirelessly to combat the Hawks pressure driving hard across the court and creating solid leads. Though their shooting accuracy was down Gabrielle Dwyer and Brierly Parker were solid in the goal circle but just struggled to capitalise on their opportunities. Tara Cecil and Mardi Cunningham worked hard in defence to try and regain possession for the Waves but it was not enough.

Casey Demons (60) defeated Southern Saints (48)

The Casey Demons notched up their ninth win of the season, securing fourth spot on the ladder with the finals quickly approaching. Holding a narrow lead at quarter time the Casey Demons came out with a point to prove in the second term piling on 16 goals and limiting the Saints to 11 for the quarter. A big third quarter effort all but sealed the deal with Emma Ryde and Erin Bell working seamlessly together in the goal circle to cause havoc in the attacking third. Stephanie McNay and Shannon Freeman had a big task to quell the influence of Ryde who has been in hot form and though they tried tirelessly they were unable to stop her dominance under the post. Kassidy Withers and Shannon Blackman made the most of the space they got, delivering well weighted passes into Bell and Ryde. Defensively Karli Foster and Demi Woodlock were solid restricting ball and creating doubt. Southern Saints pair Samantha Silvester and Chloe Wilson worked well in tandem together, shooting accurately and finding space in the goal circle.

City West Falcons (47) defeated North-East Blaze (56)

The North-East Blaze claimed the biggest upset of the round, putting a stop to the Falcons undefeated run. It was a close contest with both sides even at half time before Blaze piled on a whopping 20 goals to 12 in the third term to take a handy lead into the final change. The Blaze stuck with the same line-up for the whole match allowing each player to play their role to their maximum capacity while ensuring that the connections down the court were strong. The Falcons could simply capitalise in front of goal finishing at 72 per cent accuracy compared to Blaze who shot at 95 per cent. Elizabeth Nicol and Sarah Hogan were unstoppable in the goal circle using every inch to drive and sweep across and cause headaches for Sarah Szczykulski and Jacqui Newton. The ball placement from Blaze wing attack Ella Bayliss and centre Elle McDonald was impressive hitting the circle edge hard and delivering well weighted passes. The battle between Kaitlyn Black and Falcons goal shooter Jane Cook provided plenty of excitement with both attacking hard, while Maggie Lind and Molly Jovic were influential through the midcourt for City West.

Ariels (58) defeated Boroondara Express (54)

It was a tale of two halves with Boroondara Express owning the first half before the tables turned with last quarter flurry from the Ariels allowing them to clench victory. Both sides proved that accuracy was no issue with the Ariels sitting at 86 percent and Express at 89 per cent. The Ariels came out strong after half time to push out to a two goal margin before extending it to four at full time. Boroondara jumped out of the blocks early with their connections down court and vision on fire early to let go of passes and create scoring opportunities. Samantha Gooden and Stacey Gannon combined well in the goal circle setting up good screens and rotating through to provide the defenders something to think of. Rudi Ellis and Caitlyn Degaris proved to be a damaging combination in defence credit to their lean over the shot and ability to go out and hunt the ball but their efforts were not enough to stop the Ariels shooters. Isabelle Hodgson and Clare Vearing were damaging with ball in hand and under the post for Express, with Hodgson doing a wealth of work to feed the ball into her shooting partner while also putting up her fair share of shots. Defensively for Ariels, Jessica Maher and Jane Higgs were impressive reading the flight of the ball well and taking timely rebounds.

Melbourne University Lightning (49) defeated by Geelong Cougars (64)

The Geelong Cougars continued their march towards finals with another convincing win over Melbourne University Lightning who struggled to match the intensity and competitiveness of the Cougars. A 20-goal quarter from Geelong handed them a healthy lead at half-time before a big last quarter effort from the Lightning saw them cut the margin back but it was not enough to get within reach of the Cougars who dominated for most of the night. Julia Woolley and Bridgette Furphy were once again prolific under the post with the two growing in confidence each game and posing a dominant threat. Melissa Bragg, Victoria Honner, Jessica Standfield and Brooke Allan were all influential in defence for Geelong cutting off plenty of forward forays from Lightning and repelling the ball back down the court. It was not through a lack of trying though with Rebecca Winch and Mikaela Vaughan working tirelessly in the goal circle to post a handy total. Shae Brown also showed her versatility switching between wing attack, centre and goal attack in hope to provide that missing spark.