Sport
12 May, 2026
Eagles bounce back
The Ararat Eagles bounced back from their recent loss to Tatyoon with a 53–36 win over an improved and spirited Moyston Willaura at Willaura Recreation Reserve in round four of the Mininera District Netball League. In other results, Tatyoon remains unbeaten while Great Western suffered their first loss.
The Pumas started strongly, producing an excellent first quarter to trail by just two goals at quarter-time.
The Eagles capitalised on the Pumas’ errors in the second term, piling on 13 goals to four to extend their lead to 11 at half-time.
It was a similar story in the third quarter, with the Eagles again pulling away to lead by 21 goals at the final change.
To their credit, the young Pumas showed grit and determination in the last quarter, outscoring their more experienced opponents by four goals. While the Eagles ultimately ran out 53–36 winners, the final term provided encouraging signs for the future.
Zanetta Hosking was the standout for the Eagles with 34 goals, while Brooke Williamson contributed 13.
For the Pumas, Maevie Price led the way with 23 goals, while Scarlett Hunter and Laura Hyslop also worked hard in attack, scoring seven and six goals respectively.
The Pumas now face a tough assignment when they travel to take on Hawkesdale Macarthur, while the Eagles will look to carry their momentum into their clash with Glenthompson Dunkeld.
Hawks cruise to victory
Tatyoon’s season continues to go from strength to strength, joining Hawkesdale Macarthur as one of the competition’s only unbeaten sides after a commanding 54–18 win over Glenthompson Dunkeld at Tatyoon Recreation Reserve.
The Hawks set the tone early, scoring 12 goals to four in the opening quarter to take control at quarter-time.
They then broke the game open in the second term, adding 11 goals to two to extend their lead to 17 at half-time.
The dominance continued in the third quarter, with Tatyoon piling on another 17 goals to stretch the margin to 29 at the final break.
From there, they cruised to a comfortable victory.
Grace Astbury and Gen Bush were outstanding in attack for the Hawks, both shooting with more than 70 per cent accuracy. Astbury finished with 33 goals, while Bush added 21.
Tatyoon will look to extend its unbeaten run when it travels to face Caramut tomorrow.
Lions suffer first defeat
Great Western’s A-Grade netballers have suffered their first loss of the season, going down to Lismore Derrinallum by five goals at Great Western Recreation Reserve.
It was a high-intensity opening half, with both sides going goal-for-goal to be level at quarter-time and again at the main break.
The Lions lifted in the third term, capitalising on Demons' mistakes to edge ahead by three goals at the final change.
However, the game slipped away in the final quarter, with Lismore Derrinallum tightening up their play, forcing errors and surging back into the lead before holding on for a 40–35 victory.
Ruby Thomas led the way for the Lions with 18 goals, while Violet Day and Samantha Cook contributed nine and eight, respectively. Cynthia Ladgrove and Zoe McGregor were also strong in defence.
Lions coach Tessa O’Callaghan said her side simply wasn’t at its best when it mattered most.
“The last quarter cost us, and we made silly mistakes during the game and didn’t play our best netball,” she said. “They capitalised and came out on top.
“Cynthia and Zoe played really well, keeping their heads up and fighting the entire game. They helped keep everyone else up, which showed our team values.”
With Wickliffe Lake Bolac not fielding an A-Grade side this season, the Lions have a bye before hosting Hawkesdale Macarthur in their next outing, where they will look to sharpen key areas of their game.
“We need to hone in on what we’ve already been doing and how to apply it against tougher opponents,” O’Callaghan said.
“In the first three weeks, it has felt easy, but when the pressure comes on, the wheels fall off. We need to tighten our skills, so when we play stronger teams we aren’t rattled.”
Other results
At Penshurst Recreation Reserve, SMW Rovers went down to Penshurst 68–18, with Charlotte Box scoring seven goals for the Bulldogs.
At Woorndoo Recreation Reserve, Woorndoo Mortlake defeated Caramut 46–35.