Hay Lions Netball Reports

Grand Final (6/9/2025) in Macorna

A Grade (by Ellen Parr)

Hay 51 defeated Moulamein 44

Hay knew they were in for a tough contest against the undefeated Murrabit side. The match opened evenly, with both teams going goal for goal before the first break ended level at 12-all. Despite strong defensive efforts, Hay struggled to maintain momentum in the second quarter. Murrabit capitalised on attacking errors and pushed ahead to hold a 28–23 lead at the long break. The third quarter proved decisive. Murrabit’s well-structured defence forced multiple turnovers, and Hay’s missed opportunities allowed the margin to stretch out to 16, with the scoreboard reading 45–29 heading into the final term. Determined to finish strongly, Hay regrouped in the last quarter and fought hard to restrict Murrabit’s dominance. While Murrabit added only two more to their margin, the final score stood at 59–41 in favour of the ladder leaders. Murrabit’s polished, strategic play in both attack and defence proved the difference, with their shooters standing tall under pressure. While the result didn’t go their way, Hay can be proud of their efforts across the season and have plenty to celebrate from a strong year on court.

B Reserve (by Leonnie Laracy)

Hay 42 defeated Ultima 36

BR took the court knowing it wasn’t going to be an easy game but were determined to do what was needed to make it 3 years in a row as the grade champions. That first quarter was neck and neck, hardly a mistake either way – Alice and Lucy were bought on as fresh legs towards the end of the first quarter, giving Hay the extra drive they needed to keep the pace up and play the long game. In the second quarter, Hay really lifted. The mid-courts dug in, forced turnovers, and from there Hay just kept building pressure. At half time Hay were in front but couldn’t afford to lose concentration and needed to stay focused on the end game. Hays shooters – Hannah and Kodi – were clicking beautifully. Hannah Jamieson had her game of the season at the right time - earning Best on Court….And Kodi, steady as ever, was her perfect partner. In the third, Kylie, Katie, Matilda and Emily through the middle kept the ball moving, gave safe options forward and turned up the defensive pressure. Hay also had Kirsten and Talitha as great support in the wings keeping the team steady but motivated. The last quarter saw Leslee and Jess continue to pull intercepts, shutting down Ultima’s circle entries and sending it back to the attacking end. Every single player did their job, and that’s why Hay came away with a win! It was a real team effort, and the final score was Hay 42- Ultima 36

C Grade (by Leonnie Laracy)

Hay 33 defeated Ultima 32

What a game C grade had! Hay came out firing with a strong start, got themselves a good lead, and for a while it looked like Hay were cruising. But the Ultima Roos weren’t going away. They came back hard, and in that last quarter it was goal for goal, right down to the wire, but everyone lifted when it counted. Kodi kept her cool and nailed the shots under pressure. Tilly worked around her, opening up space, and put away some beauties when we needed them most. Mel kept the ball moving through the middle, linking play and making sure we stayed composed. Lucy pushed herself to the limits - breaking free in attack and intercepting in defence. Evie hustled and harassed all game, creating turnovers that gave us extra chances. At the back, Matilda and Di put their bodies on the line, making it tough for Ultima to find an easy way in. Jo and Sarah pulled off some massive stops, taking rebounds and shutting down what looked like certain goals. Maddy came on as fresh legs and made an immediate impact, coming forward through the thick defence. And we can’t forget Ella, Charly, and Kate – who have all contributed right throughout the season and helped get us to this grand final in the first place, and were all great team mates with support and encouragement today. This win belongs to everyone who played throughout the season for C grade. In the end, it came down to the

final minute. Hearts in mouths, everyone digging deep – and as the final whistle blew Hay had held on by one goal! What a game! Final score Hay 33 to Ultima 32.

Under 17's (by Jade Auldist)

Murrabit 58 defeated Hay 44

The 17s went down to Murrabit 58–44 in the Grand Final, closing out what has been a fantastic season of netball with an awesome team of girls. Murrabit came out firing and took control early, with nerves getting the better of Hay in the first half. After the break, the girls settled, lifted their intensity, and produced some great passages of play to build momentum, but the margin proved too much to chase down. Every player should be proud of their efforts to reach a Grand Final and of the way they’ve played together all season. Medal or no medal, this team are true champions – and the future is looking bright for our club.

Under 14’s (by Lani Houston)

Hay 36 defeated Murrabit 25

The Hay girls knew it would be a contest against Murrabit and the focus was getting a good start. The girls stepped up to the challenge, leading by a few goals at the first break. The girls maintained composure and the lead winning 36-25. Rachael Taylor and Angel Clarke combined well in attack backing themselves with shots up and rebounds. Emma Brown and India Phillips worked cohesively in the centre court with great leads and passes, including some great feeds into the circle. Maggie Shields (Player of the Final) provided great leadership and intercepted balls into the circle. Grace Auldist played some great 1 on 1 defence making her shooter work hard for every ball. Isabel Pearson provided good hands over the ball pressure in defence & got a few deflections. Lyla Swan slipped into attack shooting a few goals and then showed her speed and strength in WD helping move the ball out of defence. Sophie Griffiths played with speed and agility getting passes from the centre and feeding into the circle as did Rhyla Bunyan in WA putting into play what they had practiced. The win was a great team effort and demonstrated a cohesive team unit. Congratulations girls on the season and premiership!!