VNL Round 2 preview: Peninsula looks to ride Waves of momentum
PENINSULA Waves will be looking to make it two from two when they come up against Southern Saints in Round 2 of the Victorian Netball League (VNL) season. The Waves showed that they will be tough to beat this season, and will lock horns with Southern Saints tonight in a huge clash from 8:45pm.
The Waves shooting combination of Olivia Wilkinson and Clare Vearing caught the eye, and were able to put up more chances than the experienced Kristina Brice up the Casey Demons shooting end. The pair will be particularly important to put a winning score on the board against the Saints, who drew with Ariels, 43 goals apiece in Round 1.
Peninsula Waves stunned the Demons – who were the 2019 runners-up – who were missing shooter Emma Ryde, but had brought Brice. Not only have the Waves impressed on the court, but off it as well, with former Queensland Firebirds head coach Roselee Jencke, and Fijian Pearls coach Megan Simpson both at the club.
In defence, Gabrielle Dwyer is one to watch, with Sussu Liai catching the eye as an exciting prospect, with the Waves having a well-balanced unit and rotational options. Last week the Saints unveiled a host of debutants Tadiwa Kahonde and Sarah Mathews in the defensive third, and they will look to try and limit the amount of ball into the Waves shooting circle. Others who cracked into the side include Rylee Nelson, whilst Tegan Stephenson is a name to remember for the future.
In other Round 2 fixtures, Melbourne University Lightning will look to make it two from two against Hawks Netball, with Casey Demons hoping to bounce back against Ariels. North East Blaze will lock horns with Boroondara Expres in the other game at Parkville, whilst Geelong Cougars and City West Falcons meet in a standalone game on March 27.
ROUND 2 FIXTURES: March 23 & March 27*
Melbourne University Lightning vs. Hawks Netball
Ariels vs. Casey Demons
Southern Saints vs. Peninsula Waves
North East Blaze vs. Boroondara Express
Geelong Cougars vs. City West Falcons*
Lightning strikes twice for Hobson
IMAGINE going in for a routine scan to see how your body is holding up and being told you had no ACL (anterior cruciate ligament). Being told that the previous surgery you had five years ago wasn’t performed correctly. Being told you had to have a corrective surgery right when you were climbing up ever […]
Defenders delight as duo tie for VNL MVP
IT was a big night for the Victorian Netball League (VNL) last night, with the annual awards night taking place. In the Championship Division there was a tie for the MVP, with Sophie Hanrahan and Jessie Grenvold tying for the award. The win caps off a year that was just about perfect for Hanrahan, who […]
Triple treat for City West as Falcons fly high again
THE City West Falcons have established a true dynasty in the Victorian Netball League, defeating the Boroondara Express 64-53 to win the 2024 Grand Final, their third flag in a row. The Falcons led convincingly for most of the match as the key players really stood up and really did not allow the Express to […]
Boroondara through to a decider, but not all goes Expressly their way
THE Boroondara Express are through to another Victorian Netball League decider after defeating the Hawks 51 goals to 47. Although the Hawks put in a solid fight back at the end of the game, a strong first half from the Express meant that their efforts proved futile. The Express’ intent was on show early, as […]
Falcons fly high as Hawks survive first threat
THE City West Falcons are the first team through to the VNL Championship Grand Final after a 77-54 win over Boroondara Express in last night’s major semi-final. Although things started off tight between the sides, when the Falcons made some key positional changes in defence and attack they saw things swing in their favour, and […]
PREVIEW | 2024 VNL – Finals Series
AFTER an entertaining and at times unpredictable home and away season, it is now time for the finals series of the Victorian Netball League. Four teams are all that are left in contention to win the title – City West Falcons, Boroondara Express, Hawks and the North East Blaze. Coming into this three week finals […]
Chaotic round sees all loose ends tied up
IT was an action packed final day of the 2024 VNL Championship season, with plenty of elation, heartbreak and narrow escapes across the competition. Blaze suffer heartbreaking loss, but not all is lost The North East Blaze were unable to beat the Boroondara Express which they needed to do to make finals – losing by […]
PREVIEW | 2024 VNL: Round 22
THIS is it. The final round of the 2024 Victorian Netball League season is upon us, presenting one last chance for sides to tune up for finals, make finals, or finish the year on a high. As things sit at the moment, only the City West Falcons and the Boroondara Express have booked their place […]
Surprises not forthcoming but anticipation still high
ROUND 21 of the VNL season may not have brought many surprises, but it did still leave plenty to play for in the season finale next week. Uni upset Blaze, finals spot in danger In the biggest surprise result of the night, Melbourne Uni upset the North East Blaze by 13 goals to put the […]
