Sport
15 May, 2026
Team effort keeps kids going
THE St Arnaud B-Grade netballers delivered a masterclass in teamwork and determination this weekend in a high-octane encounter against Calder.
THIRTEEN budding young netballers from the Saints’ Go squad took to the court for a great game of netball, adorned in their pink accessories.
Several girls from Saints stepped up and played for Calder.
Beautiful shooting from many players delighted the large crowd of spectators, and excellent pressure was held down the court.
Awards: Mars Bar (Tania Scarce): Eadie M, Mars Bar (Johanna Medlyn): Emily K and Bonnie McN
A BIG thank you to Calder for offering a game for the Saints’ enthusiastic 14C squad, which enabled eight more netballers the opportunity to play on Saturday
Taking skills learnt at training onto the court, these girls played exciting netball and are forming coherent combinations from attack to defence.
Awards: Ramjac/Mandy Medlyn: Halley H, Mars Bar (Jo Medlyn): Ariah H
IT WAS a sunny Autumn morning to kick off with the 14B Team St Arnaud versus Calder at 9.30am, in St Arnaud.
Defensive pressure was excellent throughout the game; the team were on top of loose balls and the flow was consistent.
In the first quarter Layla and Latisha worked well intercepting and preventing Calder from scoring. By the end of the first quarter the scores were 7/2. GD and GK quickly took control in the second quarter, helping the team to double their score ending at 14/3. In the third quarter Calder scored early and attempted to claw their way back; 22/7 by end of third quarter.
St Arnaud defence made it difficult for Calder to move down the Court throughout the game,
Awards: Weirs IGA: Evie E, Anne Ezard: Latisha J, Canteen: Layla C
IT WAS a physical and hard-fought encounter on the courts this weekend as the St Arnaud Under 14A netballers took on a disciplined Calder side.
From the first whistle, it was clear that the Saints would need to be at their best, with playing behind was not an option in such a tight contest. At the end of the first quarter, Calder held a narrow one-goal lead. Saints 5 v Calder 6.
The Saints found their rhythm in the second term. There was impressive chemistry and movement within the goal ring, rewarded by intense defensive pressure across the entire court.
This full-court effort allowed St Arnaud to turn the tide, with the Saints leading with 11 v Calder 10.
The second half proved to be a defensive grind. Both ends of the court saw relentless pressure, resulting in several held balls as both teams struggled to find clear passing lanes.
Calder managed to regain the momentum by the end of the third.
The final 12 minutes reached a new level of physicality as both teams threw everything into the contest. Despite the Saints determination and grit under pressure, they were not able to take home the win.
Awards: Jarryd Ezard Construction: Tasha B, Weirs IGA: Dahla P, Canteen: Matilda K
ST Arnaud U17s showed great determination and effort despite facing a strong Calder side.
Maeve, Talisha and Hannah were recognised with awards for their grit and determination.
Calder proved too strong on the day, but the Saints showed plenty of fight, never giving up until the final whistle.
Awards: Gilmac: Maeve P, Trendz on Napier: Talisha J, St Arnaud Physiotherapy Centre: Hannah S
THE opening quarter of C Grade saw both sides move the ball well down the court in an intense and physical contest with the scores 7 to 11.
Calder’s pressure around the ball proved effective early, allowing them to edge ahead by halftime after a particularly strong second quarter performance.
St Arnaud created several important turnovers throughout the match and worked tirelessly defensively, but were unable to consistently convert those opportunities onto the scoreboard.
The defensive end tightened noticeably after halftime, with St Arnaud displaying stronger passing combinations and better control through the middle stages of the game.
Calder, however, maintained composure to hold their lead and eventually secure the victory.
Awards: DK Built: Imogen Amos, Torneys Fighting Fit: Emily H, St Arnaud Physiotherapy Centre: Lex Cameron
THE St Arnaud B-Grade netballers delivered a masterclass in teamwork and determination this weekend in a high-octane encounter against Calder.
The Saints came out firing in the opening term, meeting Calder’s fast-paced play with seamless court connection.
The defensive duo of Ava W and Leish P set the tone early, applying incredible pressure to give the Saints the lead at the first quarter break.
The intensity shifted in the second quarter as Calder ramped up their offensive drive to snatch a mid-quarter lead.
Alex B was a standout in defense, reeling in multiple intercepts to keep the contest within reach.
At the other end of the court, Chloe N and Indi G displayed a beautiful connection in the ring, keeping the scoreboard ticking over to trail by just one goal at halftime.
Calder managed to find another gear in the third term, pulling away to establish a six-goal buffer.
Millie H and Chel G epitomized the Saints’ spirit, putting their bodies on the line in a high- paced, physical display of skill that kept a potential win in reach.
While the Saints ultimately fell short of the win, the final score reflects a high-quality game defined by dedication and teamwork.
Awards: St Arnaud Solar: Aleshia Petrie, St Arnaud Physiotherapy Centre: Alex Baldwin
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