Hay Lions Netball Reports

Second Semi (23/8/2025) in Hay

A Grade (by Ellen Parr)

Murrabit 46 defeated Hay 43

Hay took on undefeated ladder leaders Murrabit in the A Grade semi-final. For the first time in weeks, Hay were able to field their full line-up, though it took some time to settle back into rhythm. A competitive start was hampered by a few costly errors, allowing Murrabit to edge ahead and hold a four-goal lead at quarter time. By half-time, Hay had slipped further behind, trailing by seven. Determined not to let the game slip away, Hay lifted in the third quarter and matched Murrabit goal-for-goal. The final term saw Hay at their best, outscoring their opponents and cutting the margin back to just three. Despite the late surge, the final whistle sounded with Murrabit holding on for a 46–43 win. Defender Ruby Hicks was outstanding, consistently taking intercepts, forcing deflections and generating crucial turnovers for her team. Hay now face Moulamein in next weekend’s elimination final, with everything on the line for a spot in the grand final.

B Grade (by Bron Hicks)

Murrabit 52 defeated Hay 42

The B grade team suffered an unfortunate loss against a well drilled Murrabit side, despite their best efforts. The Hay team kept the pressure up to the Murrabit girls, playing goal for goal. Hay’s key defenders Teagan, Rhiannon and Lani worked tirelessly, making it hard for Murrabit to gain too much of a lead, with the score at quarter time being Murrabit 15 - Hay 12. Murrabit settled into their rhythm in the second quarter, however mid court players Poppy, Jade and Emily put continuous pressure on their opponents, making them work for every goal. Murrabit gained a 6 goal lead at half time. By Third quarter, the Hay girls spirit never faltered, and they continued working hard. Shooters, Lisa and Sienna worked extremely hard in the ring with the assistance of Bron feeding the ball into them. As the weather warmed up, a speedy Maddie was called onto the court with fresh legs to try and pressure Murrabit more however they were able to gain a 10 goal lead by three quarter time. In the last quarter, the Hay girls gave it everything. Their positivity to hype one another up and their eagerness for the ball was evident. Hay’s determination saw them match Murrabit in the last quarter, denying them the chance to extend the margin any further. The final score was Murrabit 52 - Hay 42. Hay will complete against Moulamein this weekend in the preliminary final.

B Reserve Grade (by Leonnie Laracy)

Hay 32 defeated Ultima 28

In an intense game against Ultima, Hay BR had to draw on past finals experience to come away with the victory, winning 32-28. Hay got off to a cracking start, until Ultima reined it in to just 1 goal at first break. Ultima took their momentum into the 2nd quarter and found themselves up by 4 at half time. Hay set about improving their mid court connections and entries into the circle and focused on regaining the lead -one intercept at a time. But Ultima wasn’t giving up, the smell of victory was closer than ever before, but Hay’s commitment to another flag stood strong and their final quarter defensive effort proved too good once again. Hay BR now progress to the Grand Final.

C Grade (by Leonnie Laracy)

Ultima 38 defeated Hay 34

Hay C Grade came up against a very determined Ultima on Saturday. Ultima played a more disciplined and accurate game which proved to be the product of their success. Although Hay were 2 goals up going into the last quarter, they couldn’t find the flow and rhythm they are usually accustomed to, and ultimately suffered a 4 goal loss. C grade will now play in Wandella and will need to win to partake in the Grand Final the following week.

Under 17's (by Jade Auldist)

Murrabit 47 defeated Hay 40

The 17s, who finished the season second on the ladder, faced ladder leaders Murrabit in Saturday’s semi-final. The girls came out with great intensity, strength, and skill, taking a two-goal lead at quarter time. As the game went on, the Murrabit side gradually chipped away and finished with a seven-goal win. The girls now get another chance next weekend in Wandella, with hopes of meeting Murrabit again in the grand final. Emily Caughey was voted Players’ Player by her teammates for her outstanding performance in Wing Defence. putting on high-pressure defence, pulling in multiple intercepts, driving the ball strongly out of the defensive end, offering great support, and leading the team with her captaincy

Under 14's (by Lani Houston)

Hay 27 defeated Murrabit 23

The Hay girls new their match against Murrabit would be tough & it was. The Hay girls started strong & obtained a 5 goal lead at the first quarter. Some great movement and passing in the circle enabled Rachael Taylor and Angel Clarke to shoot accurately. Both girls also rebounded well. The warmer weather certainly impacted the girls and Murrabit fought back with Hay only leading by 1 goal at the final break. Some impressive intercepts by Maggie Shields (Umpires Best On) and great support work through the mid court enabled Hay to convert winning 27-23. The U14’s will now go straight into the Grand Final. The win was a fantastic team effort with all girls contributing and a number playing some of their best netball.