Hay Lions Netball Reports

Round 10 (5/7/2025) Hay vs Macorna, in Hay

A Grade (by Ellen Parr)

Hay 55 defeated Macorna 52

HAY HOLDS OFF MACORNA IN A THRILLER

Hay has edged out Macorna in a nail-biting clash on the netball court, claiming a hard-fought 55–52 win after a determined final-quarter comeback from the visitors. Sophie Stephens delivered a standout performance, earning both Lani Houston Consulting Best on Court and IGA Players’ Player honors. Her defensive pressure and deflections in the goal third were pivotal in turning over possession and creating scoring opportunities for her team’s shooters. Hay started strongly, taking a 15–12 lead into the first break and extending their advantage to 26–21 at halftime. By the final change, they held a narrow 39–34 margin. But Macorna came out firing in the last quarter, clawing back to within two goals in the dying minutes, reminding the competition that no team can be underestimated. Courtney Mullins was also recognised for her efforts in both attack and defence, receiving the Jen’s Junk award. With finals fast approaching, this tightly contested match highlighted the depth of teams in the league and the importance of maintaining pressure across all four quarters.

B Grade (by Bron Hicks)

Hay 53 defeated Macorna 24

Hay started strong with excellent communication and court support, quickly gaining a 7-goal lead in the first quarter. In the second quarter, the team focused on bringing the ball cleanly out of defence and into attack. Lisa Lund (Mark McKeon Player’s Player) moved beautifully around the ring and shot with accuracy, helping extend the lead to 10 goals by halftime. The third quarter saw Teagan Morrison dominate in defence, (Saltbush Stretch Best on Court award). Her intercepts were key in turning over possession, with Hay converting these into goals and extending the lead to 20. In the final quarter, Lani Houston (Busch Family Coach’s Award) was everywhere, providing consistent support and putting pressure on her opponent. A well-rounded team performance saw Hay come away with a fantastic 29-goal win, moving them back into second place on the ladder.

B Reserve Grade (by Leonnie Laracy)

Hay 48 defeated Macorna 28

Hay BR started well and had a 12 goal lead at first break, but in the second term it seemed a different side was playing, too many unforced errors meant Macorna was able to close the gap to 22-17. Hay refocused and started to edge away again in the 3rd and finally took a 20 goal win of 48-28. Alice Laracy in Goal Shooter took out the Players Player cup, sinking some terrific shots, and manoeuvring her taller opposition out of play, while once again Kylie Brettschneider was strong, reliable and the teams turnover machine in the mid court taking out the Fraser Dwyer Electrical award. Emily Taylor had a great game in WA delivering precise passes and was always a target for the transition from defence back into attack and took out the New Crown Hotel award, while her mother Jess Weymouth was awarded the Heath Busch Trailers award for shutting down her GS and combing well with GD Leslee Grahme to bring the intensity needed to stage the good break away and the solid win. BR will now need to get some real consistency in the next round if they are any chance at their third flag in row.

C Grade (by Leonnie Laracy)

Hay 31 defeated Macorna 30

Hay came up against a strong Macorna C grade this round, and found it very tough to get any rhythm going. Hay trailed all game, and left it to the last 5 minutes of the game to show their determination

and grit …with 20 seconds of the match left Hay pulled off a timely intercept and sent it to the goal circle for conversion and took a 1 goal win. Sarah Walker stood up in GK coming onto the court in the third quarter and immediately made an impact- intercepting 3 balls in a row which was the start of the Hay comeback, Sarah was awarded the Players Player cup. Di Plum had a fantastic game in goal defence and stepped it up when it was the most crucial time, taking out the Tantrum Hair and Beauty award while Alice Laracy and Trish Jamieson did the job in the goal circle in the absence of the usual C grades combination. Alice took out the New Crown Hotel award for her effort in GA, using her netball smarts and out manouvering her strong opponent. Final score Hay 31-30. C grade will now also need to solidify their team from a long list of committed Hay Lions to ensure they are taking their strongest combinations into finals for their best chance at their first flag.

Under 17's (by Jade Auldist)

Hay 72 defeated Macorna 36

The 17s came out firing from the first whistle and maintained their momentum right through to the end, taking an impressive 72–36 win. The focus for the game was on timing, strong leads, and accurate passing, and the girls absolutely delivered. Their smart positioning and timing also created plenty of intercept opportunities, which they capitalised on throughout the game. The Peter Mullins Building Players’ Player award went to Poppy Barnes for her performance in Centre, with sharp passing into the circle and multiple intercepts driving the ball down the court. The Murrumbidgee Real Estate award was awarded to Sienna Lund, who impressed with her quick movements and accurate shooting in Goal Attack. The Hay High Achievers award went to Hannah Jamieson for her great work in GS, holding strong space in the ring and high shooting percentage.

Under 14's (by Lani Houston)

Hay 36 defeated Macorna 22

The u14’s girls knew they would have a good contest against Macorna who are equal second on the ladder. The girls played an impressive first quarter with tight defence creating turnovers and the attacking end combining well to get good positioning in the circle. Grace Auldist (Canteen Players Player Award) worked hard in defence sticking with her attacking player, getting front position and taking intercepts. Issy Pearson (KROP Coaches Award) had one of her best games yet positioning for throw ins and supporting her team moving the ball out of defence. Hays levels dropped in the second & third quarter and Macorna turned up the heat but credit to the Hay girls they maintained their composure and showed grit in pushing through. India Phillips (KROP Coaches Award) showed her developing skill in the centre court picking of numerous intercepts in defence as well as feeding accurate passes into the circle. Hays attacking players had some strong defence to contend with. Rachael Taylor (A&L Lund Contracting Best Effort Award ) demonstrated her determination working hard against her tall and quick defence to get front position and rebound her shots. Hay had a strong final quarter winning 36-22.

Under 12’s (by Leonnie Laracy)

Hay 19 defeated Macorna 5

Hay had a great start to the game, using the ball well and making good choices through the court. Issy Sandow had a solid game in all her positions and is becoming court smart and was awarded the Two Billy Buttons award. While Jimmy Jamieson can be counted on to get his team’s score ticking over on the scoreboard and was awarded the Sarah Bunyan Hairdressing award. The M & S Bus Service’s award went to Charli Clarke for her tireless efforts all day. Final score Hay 19 Macorna 5.

Red vs Blue

A great game to watch with everyone putting in 100%, and real improvement in the younger children was indeed evident. Award winners were Under 17S netball awards - Paddy Shields and Eva Mildren. Lions Canteen awards - Sahara Phillips and Charli Clarke.