Hoppers tight tussle with Rovers

With a tough game expected, Deni didn’t disappoint. A fast-paced smooth side saw Rennie playing catch up most of the game.

The defensive end kept pressure on their goalers and once again provided the Hoppers with many opportunities through multiple intercepts.

A little more focus and drive was needed by the attack end, which the Hoppers just couldn’t get into the groove.

With a scoreline that could have blown out, a huge positive was keeping the loss down to 10 goals. Mikayla McAullife was best on, swinging from goals into defence.

Both Heleena Shaw and sister Sophia Shaw worked hard all game, with Abbey Coghill rounding out the awards.

With some more tight games expected in the next few weeks, some more hard work and dedication will be needed to take Rennie’s netball to the next level.

Awards: Mulwala Bakery - Mikayla McAuliffe, ClubMulwala - Sophia Shaw, Miss Dolly - Abbey Coghill and Wingates - Heleena Shaw.

B Grade

Rennie 27 def by Deni Rovers 34

Wow what a valiant effort by the B Grade ladies this week against top of the ladder Deni. The Hoppers know they have the potential and know the amount of hard work they have put in with this week really showing.

Supreme defence again by Kayla and Jemma with 7 intercepts/turnovers in the first quarter but unfortunately, the Hoppers weren't able to capitalise on those.

This week Rennie welcomed back Brylee McCarty to the team and her level head and experience really set up the goalers beautifully.

Each week the B Grade are learning and evolving and coach Kayla Johnson couldn't be prouder of the commitment all the girls have shown at trainings and to the team itself.

Awards: Mulwala Bakery - Kayla Oughton, Yarra Hotel - Jemma Adkins, Free as a bird - Sophie O’Dwyer and Redback Waste - Brylee McCarty.

C Grade

Rennie 30 def Deni Rovers 29

This week was nice and cold for the girls. With the added rain there were some nerves about in the team. The first quarter showed everyone that it would not be an easy game for either team to win with a 7-7 score.

Rach Guppy was a standout, watching the ball and picking off many intercepts followed up by Sarah Cummins who seemed to get the ball in from anywhere in that goal circle.

With the support of Nada Nolen running a full game in C she didn't seem to be slowing down at all. Georgie Thomas may have ended up with a dislocated finger in the last quarter but with 5 minutes to go she kept going and didn't seem to let her injury affect her.

A huge effort this week, everyone should be extremely proud.

Special thank you to Zoe McKenzie from the under 17s for coming in and supporting the shooters this week when the C Grade were a player down.

Awards: Mulwala Bakery - Sarah Cummins, Yarra Hotel - Rach Guppy, Zambreros- Georgie Thomas and Mulwala Pharmacy - Nada Nolen.

C Reserve

Rennie 21 def by Deni Rovers 43

Strong opponents this week vs Deni. The Hopper girls showed great sportsmanship throughout the game, fighting for every ball and testing themselves with their first big contest of the league.

Deni went away with a win, 43-21, lots of positives to take away from the day.

Awards: One Zach- Steph Munro, Yarrawonga Hotel- Leonie Higgins, Yarrawonga News and Gifts- Tegan Lee and Belles Cafe and players player- Mel Burke.

Under 17s

Rennie 30 def Deni Rovers 12

This round the Under 17s had a few shake ups with positions and health concerns, but that did not stop the Hoppers from showing up ready to take the court.

The girls played a whole team game and held their heads high, despite some physicality on the court.

The shooters used their height and body to their advantage, and the defenders worked together flawlessly, alongside the hard working midcourt who never led up with their pace and passing skills.

Well done girls.

Awards: Zambreros - Eliza Robilliard, Mulwala Bakery - Heleena Shaw, Rhodes Family - Sophia Shaw and Rennie Catering - Zoe McKenzie.

Under 15s

Rennie 34 def Deni Rovers 24

The girls were presented with trying conditions against Deni, but the rain didn’t stop them from playing a stellar game.

The defensive end consisting of Tess, Charlotte and Soph caused plenty of turnovers throughout the game, implementing everything from training into game play.

The midcourt of Sam, Iris, Darla and Mia rewarded these turnovers with clean transitions into attack.

Demi, Mabel and Alani worked beautifully together utilising all of the scoring opportunities that were presented to them.

Another beautifully ran out game and win by the girls.

Awards: Mulwala Bakery - Tess Bassett, PM Development - Sophie Coghill, Rhodes Family - Samantha Knight and Subway - Iris Elliott.

Under 13s

Rennie 12 def by Deni Rovers 17

It was a drizzly start to the game and both sides were well aware of their opponent’s capabilities.

All players were trepidatious of the wet court in the first quarter, soon warming up, and then the game was on.

The two teams were very evenly matched throughout most of the game, in both height and skill.

At half time the scores were even, as they were most of the match.

Rennie’s goal shooters, middle court players and defenders all played a super game.

Deniliquin Rovers etched ahead in the final quarter and claimed the victory.

Awards: Ricky D’s Pizza - Makayla George, Mulwala Bakery - Maisie Cope, Rhodes Family - Jemima Bruce and Yarra Fish N Chips - Sienna Clarkson.

Under 11s

A superstar effort by the little ones on a wet and very cold day.

The improvement all around the court is showing and coach Sheryl has done an amazing job managing a lot of children who are all eager to learn.

The U11s look forward to playing a game next week against their mums, step mums and special people for Mother’s Day, one to definitely come and watch.

Awards: Athenaeum - Ella Wilson, Mulwala Bakery - Ella Gorski, PM Development - Tayissa Dawson and Rhodes Family - Ruby Doric.