Rovers relentless against Mathoura

With only a few changes to the flag-winning formula of last year, the team wasted no time asserting their dominance, showcasing their characteristic face-paced style and tight defensive pressure that left little opportunity for their Mathoura opponents to respond.

Going up against a premiership team was never going to be easy for the Mathoura side.

For the Rovers back on the court after a 12-month absence, Chrissy Hurst didn’t miss a beat, making an immediate impact in combination with longtime partner Natalie Sampson and exciting new addition Pip Metcalfe.

They capitalised on every loose ball, making flying intercepts and strong rebounds throughout the entire match.

Hazel Glowrey delivered a stellar performance in centre, ably supported by Chloe Way and Chloe Brown in the mid-court, confidently setting up the experienced shooting combination of Carissa Bulmer and Abbey Wills.

In her return to the coaching role, Bulmer was pleased with her team’s performance, acknowledging their efforts against a determined Mathoura side.

Despite the score Mathoura was very proud of how its A-graders handled the game.

For Mathoura’s first game playing together as a team there were some great plays, and they are very excited to continue to gel as a team and get better and better each week.

Mathoura were especially impressed with their juniors - Lara O’Callaghan (an under-15s player) and Aleisha Moon (an under-17s player) - who held an amazing standard of netball against their experienced opponents.

Mathoura best players award winners: Khayla Wanganeen, Lara O’Callaghan and Tamara Miller.

Deni Rovers award winners: Chrissy Hurst, Pip Metcalfe, Hazel Glowrey.

B-grade: Deni Rovers 47 def Mathoura 18.

It was a great start to the home-and-away season by reigning champions, Rovers B-grade with a dominant performance against Mathoura.

With several new combinations in play, the team quickly gelled, showing promising matchups across the court.

Newcomer Phoebe Jefferies and Georgia McCulloch were standout performers in defence, combining with Sophie Dudley to apply relentless on-ball pressure.

Versatile youngster Erika Martin showcased her shooting prowess, while teaming up with Britt Edwards and Bell McIlwain to rack up the goals.

In her return to Rovers, Sienna Jenkins moved freely throughout the court, providing vital support in both attack and defence.

It was also a welcome sight to see Lainey Blake back in the fold after years away to pursue her studies.

Her silky skills and clear voice provided great direction in this resounding win against a resilient Mathoura squad.

In his return to coaching netball, Tim Van Lieshout was pleased with his team’s efforts, especially their ability to capitalise on the turnovers created through intercepts and rebounds.

Deni Rovers award winners: Phoebe Jefferies, Erika Martin, Georgia McCulloch.

C-grade: Deni Rovers 59 def Mathoura 21.

The C-grade team came out with a youthful energy, particularly in the attacking end, where Paige Brown and Jarrah Fitzpatrick showed impressive shooting accuracy despite the challenging windy conditions.

Ava Robinson in WA was crucial in providing well-timed passes and joined the shooting combination in the third.

Britt Kirby was outstanding in the centre, offering leadership and guidance, ensuring the team remained focused.

Reagan Behsman and Catie Lewis were exceptional in defence, putting constant pressure on the Mathoura shooters and limiting their opportunities.

Rovers dominated the match, finishing with a comprehensive 59-21 victory.

Deni Rovers award winners: Paige Brown, Reagan Behsman.

C-Reserve: Deni Rovers 44 def Mathoura 10.

With a fresh line-up of players, the first match was going to test the dynamics of the team.

The team started confidently with a solid 12-goal opening quarter.

Elly Blake and Millie Joice proved to be a formidable combination in the shooting circle, setting a strong foundation for the rest of the game.

Gabby Clarke entered the circle and kept the momentum high.

Liv Stubbings dominated in the mid-court, controlling play with precision passing and positioning.

The Rovers were dominant throughout, finishing with a convincing 44-10 win.

Deni Rovers awards winners: Olivia Stubbings, Elly Blake, Olivia Stubbings.

Under-17s: Deni Rovers 63 def Mathoura 8.

We hit the road to Mathoura with some first-game nerves, but quickly found our rhythm once the match began.

Our defensive line-up worked seamlessly together, creating opportunities for our shooters to shine.

Ruby Pisasale slotted effortlessly into her defensive role, delivering a strong performance with numerous deflections, rebounds, and intercepts.

In the shooting circle, Ruby Cowley was a standout, dominating the scoreboard with precision and control. Her presence was unmatched.

Meanwhile, Isabell Macknight proved to be a powerhouse in the mid-court, consistently turning over possession and driving the team forward.

A fantastic result for our first game, well done team.

Deni Rovers award winners: Ruby Pisasale, Ruby Cowley, Isabell Macknight.

Under-15s: Deni Rovers 56 def Mathoura 25.

After a confident pre-season, the Rovers girls stepped onto the court with focus and determination, ready to make their mark, and they delivered a commanding performance from start to finish.

Marlie Mison set the tone early, finding space with strong, confident leads that kept the ball moving swiftly through attack.

Supporting her was Amelie Bulmer, who directed play through the mid-court with calm control and smart decision-making.

In the circle, Lilly Boyer and Ava Braybon proved an unstoppable combination, their sharp movement and accurate shooting putting constant pressure on the Mathoura defence.

Their connection created space and opportunities, and they didn’t waste a moment of it.

Jorja Woolston was a standout across the centre, combining defensive hustle with smart ball use to drive momentum forward.

Alongside her, Georgia Danckert was relentless in applying pressure through the midcourt, causing chaos for her opponent and forcing crucial turnovers.

Defensively, the trio of Nina Glowrey, Zoe Basset and Stella McBurnie formed an almost impenetrable wall.

Their anticipation, footwork, and sheer presence made life incredibly difficult for the Mathoura shooters, and their clean rebounding turned defence into attack with ease.

With strong contributions from every player on court, the Rovers controlled the tempo, dictated play, and walked away with a dominant 56–25 victory, a powerful statement to open their season.

Deni Rovers award winners: Marlie Mison, Jorja Woolston, Georgia Danckert.

Under-13s: Deni Rovers 28 def Mathoura 2.

The under-13s Rovers had an incredible debut to begin their netball season.

With a 7-0 lead at the end of the first quarter, the hard work put into the pre-season training had shown to pay off.

The team’s positioning on the court to drive and work the ball down to the shooters was done with flow and ease.

A particular mention to defenders Lara Redden, Isabel Didcock and Meg Meharry who held strong and kept their opponents from scoring.

Deni Rovers shooters Madison Danckert and Maddy Woolston were able to work well together to keep putting goals up into the second and third quarters, with the final score reaching 28-2.

A big congratulations to the girls on their round one success, with hopefully more to come.

Deni Rovers award winners: Lara Redden, Madi Danckert, Indi Conallin.

Under-11s: Not scored.

A strong start to the season!

The girls adapted seamlessly to changing positions and showed great teamwork and support for one another on the court.

The coaches and players are feeling excited for the season ahead.

Deni Rovers award winners: Harper Bulmer, Peggy O’Donnell, Oaklee Morrison, Pallas East.