Sport
21 April, 2026
Hawks soar to powerful victory
The Tatyoon Hawks have delivered an emphatic performance in Round Two of the Mininera District Netball League, defeating Moyston Willaura by 42 goals at Willaura Recreation Reserve.
Building their lead steadily at every break, the Hawks were in control from the outset, finishing with a convincing 70–28 win.
Tatyoon set the tone early, leading by nine goals at quarter-time. They extended the margin to 17 by half-time and 21 at the final change, before powering home in the last quarter to seal a dominant result.
A highlight of the match was the A-Grade debut of Ella Wood, who stepped in for the absent Amelia Rundle and impressed in defence. Wood showed composure, fitting into the team structure and playing a key role in limiting the opposition’s scoring opportunities.
In attack, the Hawks were clinical. Grace Astbury led the way with 46 goals at an outstanding 83.64 per cent accuracy, while Genevieve Bush added 24 goals at 77.42 per cent. The pair continues to develop strong on-court chemistry, much to the delight of coach Megan Ward.
“Grace and Genevieve keep getting better and better and are starting to find their groove and gel together nicely,” Ward said.
“It was a great win, and all the girls played really well.”
Ward also praised Anais Briggs for her impact at wing attack. After spending last season in wing defence, Briggs has transitioned into a more attacking role following off-season positional changes.
“Anais was one of our better players,” Ward said.
“She’s more suited to wing attack, and it worked out really well. She combined strongly with the goalers and had a real influence on the game.”
Wood’s debut performance did not go unnoticed either, with Ward commending the young defender’s composure.
“She played a really nice game in defence. She didn’t look out of place at all and slotted in nicely,” she said.
Despite the comfortable margin, Ward was particularly impressed with her side’s ability to maintain intensity throughout the match, especially in challenging conditions.
“It was a hot day, and when you’re leading by a lot, it can be easy to drop off,” she said.
“I was really impressed with how the girls ran the game out in the second half. They kept their intensity, increased the lead, and finished strongly.”
With a bye coming up, the Hawks will continue to train as usual as they prepare for a highly anticipated clash against the Ararat Eagles next weekend.
Eagles secure tough victory
Ararat Eagles have also gone two-from-two to start the season, defeating Woorndoo Mortlake by 12 goals at Woorndoo Recreation Reserve.
Neither team gave an inch in the first quarter, with the Eagles leading narrowly by two goals at quarter-time.
The Eagles started to find their ascendancy in the second, capitalising on turnovers as they led by five at half-time.
A strong third quarter saw them extend that lead to nine at the final break before running out 59-47 winners.
Alana Baker led the way for the Eagles with a game-high 31 goals at a shooting percentage of 65.96 per cent.
Zanetta Hosking continued her strong season with another 18 goals at 66.67 per cent, while Danieka Clayton and Brooke Williamson both scored seven and three, respectively.
Emily Kelly played an excellent game at goal defence, while Amber Taylor and Jamielee Bennett were strong through the midcourt.
Eagles too strong for Bulldogs
Hawkesdale Macarthur was too strong for SMW Rovers, winning by 55 goals. The Eagles blew the game open in the first quarter, scoring 22 goals to six.
From there, the Bulldogs fought hard, but the Eagles were too strong, leading by 31 goals at half-time, 47 at three-quarter time, before running out 80-25 winners.
For Rovers, Angella Price scored eight goals. Charlotte Box was solid in the midcourt alongside Hannah Meek.
In the other match, Penshurst defeated Glenthompson Dunkeld, 39-35.