COLBINABBIN continued its strong start to the Heathcote and District netball season, comfortably beating top four side White Hills by 20 goals on Saturday.
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The Hoppers have solidified their top two spot five games in, sitting outright second under the undefeated Elmore.
Welcoming back club stalwart Holly Guerra this week, supporters weren't disappointed by the level of play from Guerra.
With her grit and determination shining through against the 2019 premier in White Hills, Guerra created multiple opportunities for her attackers who then capitalised on the scoreboard.
Ella Kerlin was accurate as always, working well in the ring alongside playing coach Lou Dupuy.
The match was hard fought by both teams and while the score may not reflect just how tough it was on court under the sun, the Hoppers will take plenty from being able to run away with the game in the final quarter.
The club travels to face North Bendigo on Saturday, with the clash a battle between second and third.
Final score: Colbinabbin 67 d White Hills 47
Best: Holly Guerra, Ella Kerlin
●WITH A reserve missing two of its strongest players, Courtney Orwell and Elle Palmer, the team called upon veteran Colbinabbin players Aroha Potae and Nat Gould to round out the group.
The Hoppers were bolstered by the experience of both Potae and Gould, fighting neck-and-neck with White Hills for most of the whole match.
Best on court was Emily Percy who was outstanding as goal keeper, fighting hard to get turnovers, rebounding strongly and working the ball out of defence beautifully.
Unfortunately, the Hoppers couldn’t quite get over the line, going down by four goals.
Final score: Colbinabbin 38 lt White Hills 42
●COLBINABBIN'S B grade side found itself under fire early, with White Hills going up by 10 goals in the first five minutes.
It was a lead they couldn't rein back in, eventually losing by 20 goals.
The Hoppers defenders worked extremely hard to apply pressure and hold up throughout the whole game, while the midcourters flowed well in attack and defence as the goalers worked in sync together.
Dom Palmer stood tall for some wild passes into the ring and put up with some tight defence to be named best on court for her efforts.
Final score: Colbinabbin 34 lt White Hills 54
●B RESERVE has dropped to its fourth loss of the season, after suffering a 22-goal defeat at the hands of White Hills.
Final score: Colbinabbin 33 lt White Hills 55
●THE HOPPERS under 17s came out strong and determined this week to claim a 10-goal win over White Hills.
Defenders Ryllie Edwards, Grace and Jo Brown worked hard to keep pressure on all game, forcing turnovers.
Zoe McLean drove the play at center, consistently working through the midcourt to turn the ball over before moving it into attack with some clever play feeding to the goalers.
Ellie Moroney worked hard clearing center passes and feeding beautifully into the goalers, while Alex Duke and Stella Martin were a strong team all day, shooting accurately and holding space well.
Thanks goes to Grace for joining the team and Miya McDougal for coming up from under 15s to play a stellar last quarter in defence.
Best on went to Stella Martin and Grace though the whole team played an incredible game to get a win on the board and show how far the team has come in five rounds.
Final score: Colbinabbin 38 d White Hills 28
●COLBINABBIN'S under 15s produced a polished performance against the always competitive White Hills, coming out strong to hold the lead for the entire game.
With the focus on defending every pass and picking up loose balls, the team's hard work paid off, with the Hoppers able to convert off White Hills’ errors.
Jayde Ballinger played a superb game in defence, intercepting several passes, while Jasmin Moroney shot beautifully before supporting the defence in wing defence for a quarter. Both Ballinger and Moroney were rewarded with the day's awards.
Special mention goes to Henry McFadzean for his efforts in the centre and Miya McDougal for strong defence.
Final score: Colbinabbin 29 d White Hills 16