Netball News

Imperials start season with 30 goal win

A grade

THE Jervois versus Imperials game started fast and even on Saturday.

However Imperials settled first with great shooting by Casey Gregory (GS), and Olivia Scholz (GA).

At the first break the scores were Imperials 15, Jervois 10.

The second quarter saw the Jervois defence stand up, and Deanna Kluske (WD) and Julia Llewellyn (GD) began to work together well, but Alicia Crase (WA) and Penny Fielke (C) for Imps, continued to work tirelessly, and just seemed to be able to anticipate the ball so well.

Imps had a 10 goal lead at half time.

In the third quarter Kelly Maczkowiack (C) and Tracy Kennett (WA) for Jervois began to pass into the goal ring much more accurately, which created more opportunities for the Jervois gaolers, and the game became much more even and the intensity had not waned at all.

At the start of the final quarter, Cass Brion came on at wing attack for Jervois.

Playing her first A Grade netball game she created a lot of movement around the ring and used her voice well, but it was too late and Imps continued on with their strong confident play to win by 30 goals 76-46.

Best - Jervois: Julia Llewellyn, Tracy Kennett. Imperials: Olivia Scholz, Casey Gregory.

A reserve

The A reserve game started off at a fierce pace with both teams determined to get their hands on the ball.

Jervois’ Cassie Brion (WA) in her first game in seniors and Lyndal Obst (GS) combined well and were able to use the ring to its full advantage.

Imps also had a lot of drive down the court through Deanna Lush (C), who intercepted very well throughout the whole game.

Kim Perriman (WA) also fed well into her Imps goalers Katrina Hunt (GA) and Sarah March (GS), who were extremely accurate and at the end of the first quarter it saw Imperials with a big lead of 21-8.

The second quarter saw Jervois the first to settle.

Kristyn Morris (GA) found the ring and Julia Southwell (C) was moving well re-offering down the court, and for Imperials Haley Cahalan (GD) began to dominate, and Kylie Burns (GK) punished Jervois for missed opportunities, and the score at the end of this quarter was Imperials 36, Jervois 19.

The second half was not as intense, but the Imps girls continued to work hard despite the hot weather making it a little tough for some girls.

Jervois’ Nicky Smith came on at centre to give her team a lift and with the extra voice it proved to be a good quarter for the Jervois girls and they finished the quarter 31 to Imps 53.

The last quarter saw Imperials’ goalers rarely miss, and the Jervois girls were also very accurate but the margin was too great for the Jervois girls to do too much about, and the final score was Imps 68, Jervois 45.

Best - Jervois: Cassie Brion, Lyndal Obst. Imperials: Deanna Lush, Kim Perriman.

B grade

Both teams started strongly, with Imperials making the first break.

Strong defence by Jodi Bain (Imperials) made it tough for Jervois to score and it helped her side to a four goal lead at quarter time.

Imperials continued their good form in the second quarter, but Jervois never gave up and moved Coralie Batchelor to goal defence, which helped keep her side in the game.

In the third quarter, Jervois started strongly with good positive leads, down the court.

Sheree Buick at centre created much more space and helped her side gain the lead part-way through the quarter, but a small lapse from Jervois opened the door for Imperials to gain the lead back, and be up by two at the start of the last quarter.

Both teams were determined in the last quarter to gain the two points.

Amanda Hunt (Imps) and Sally Mighell (Jervois) had a great tussle for their respective teams, but Imperials were too strong and went onto win 47 to 44.

Best - Jervois: Sally Mighell, Sheree Buick. Imperials: Jodie Bain, Amanda Hunt.

C grade

Last year’s premiers started strongly but Jervois also came out firing and Cloe Lipp (Imperials GA) and Sarah Bailey (Jervois GD), took up where they left off in last year’s grand final.

Jervois surprised Imps with their strong start and led by two goals at the first change.

Jervois goalers Kristen Love and Kimberley Overall were getting the better of the Imperials defenders, Rachel Mobbs and Katherine Murdoch, and increased their lead to six goals at half time.

However the third quarter saw Imperials’ teamwork and experience playing together start to show, with their centre court taking more control and the lead reversed by four at the last change.

Although still working how to work well together, the Jervois girls never gave up and gave Kirtsy Gabell, a junior playing her first senior game, a chance at centre and she played really well with some timely intercepts.

Imperials however had the upper hand and showed they are still the team to beat this year, running out winners by 13 goals 56-43.

Best - Jervois: Sarah Bailey, Kimberley Overall. Imperials: Chloe Lipp, Rachel Mobbs.

17 and under

Imperials started with the first centre ball and scored, which was quickly followed by a Jervois centre pass resulting in a goal and this was how the game was going to go.

Jervois goalers Janelle Cheso and Rachel Hunt worked very well and at the other end, Alyse Clarke (Imperials), fed well into team-mate Brianna Schenscher who was also very accurate.

The second quarter saw Jervois start two goals down and they worked very hard to come back, with some excellent shooting and both teams worked tirelessly down the court, with pressure over every pass.

Jervois made changes at the third quarter, and this increased the pressure around the court as both sides went goal for goal.

Excellent netball was seen - a great quarter by both teams.

The final quarter was the defences’ quarter with Jenna Gamma (Jervois GD) really coming into the game with some strong intercepts and quick feet and Jade Lewis (Imperials GK) working very hard, rebounding well and backing up.

This quarter saw Imps run out winners 59-49.

Best - Jervois: Jenna Gamma, Eloise Chudy. Imperials: Alyse Clarke, Jade Lewis.

15 and under division one

The first game of the season began nervously, with Imperials first to settle, although Jervois defences Brooke Newell and Sharna Hoffman worked tirelessly along with Kay Dee Hunter.

Imperials’ gaolers Olivia McLoughlin and Meaghan Watkins were able to build a lead with accurate shooting, and this continued through the second quarter.

Here, Libby Frazer at centre also provided drive and support around the goal ring for her team-mates.

Nearing half time Jervois was able to steady and convert goals through Tara Jayne Elliott and Brittany Huppatz Hill.

The third quarter saw position changes form Jervois, which saw Jervois produce some positive results.

They were able to create more passages of play throughout the court and feed the ball into their goalies, even though the Imperials girls’ strength continued, and it saw Imperials stretch their lead further.

Lexi Blight and Bianca Burt were the defences in the final quarter for Imperials and they turned over many balls and enabled Imps to run out comfortable winners 53-23.

Best - Jervois: Brooke Newell. Imperials: Libby Frazer, Meaghan Watkins.

15 and under division two

Imperials came out firing, with fast passing allowing good opportunities for goals.

Some great match-ups on court between Kaitlyn May (Jervois), and Thais Edmond (Imperials) at centre was great to watch.

There were a lot of turnovers due to tight defence, which worked in Imperials’ favour and at the first change the score was Imperials 11, Jervois 3.

Team changes from Jervois allowed their gaolers Hannah Kluske and Joanna Chudy to outscore Imps by one goal, in the second quarter, and the score was Jervois 10, Imperials 17.

Imperials’ defenders Kaitelyn Freeman and Michelle Martin played brilliant defence in the third quarter, stopping many Jervois attacking attempts and forcing errors, which Imperials successfully converted.

This saw the score blow out to Imperials 28, Jervois 13.

The last quarter saw Imperials never giveup, and Thais Edmond kept trying.

The battle in the mid court continued as well, but Imperials was a much fitter side, and on a hot day this proved very handy and saw them run out comfortable winners 40-17.

Best - Jervois: Hannah Kluske, Kaitlyn May. Imperials: Kaitelyn Freeman, Thais Edmond.

13 and under division two

This game was to be very evenly contested from the first centre pass, with both teams applying pressure over the ball.

Jacinta Dugan (Jervois WD) turned over many intercepts, along with Zoe Batchelor in centre providing drive down court and feeding well into Bianca Kahl (GA) who converted to goals and certainly found her height to be an advantage.

Jasmine Hutchins (GD) and Rhiannon Jones (GK) for Imperials were very tight in defence and made it very hard for Jervois goalies.

Imperials had very good movement from goalies Kayla McDamid (GS) and Chantelle Monjean (GA) and were backed up by Danielle Monjean who created excellent drive down the mid court and fed well into her goalers.

This was a very close game and saw some excellent netball being played.

Jervois were eventual winners 24-20.

Best - Jervois Bianca Kahl, Jacinta Dugan. Imperials: Danielle Monjean, Kayla McDonald.

11 and under

In warm conditions, both teams came out for their first game full of enthusiasm.

Jervois scored the first goal of the match and maintained tight defence all over the court to have a first quarter lead of 4-0.

Jervois maintained this pressure and kept the Imperials scoring shots to a minimum.

Emily Gommers in defence and Jess Hoad in centre for Jervois worked hard for them and saw Jervois leading 11-2 at half time.

Both teams made changes, but Jervois kept Imps scoreless, and at three quarter time the score was 13-2.

In the final quarter, both teams played a great game, with Imps trying until the final whistle.

However Jervois kept up their strong defensive game all over the court to win 16-3.

Best - Jervois: Emily Gommers, Megan Schultz. Imperials: Serena Lienert, Courtney Smith

Minis

Imperials started off strongly, getting the ball into their goal ring consistently.

Jervois made a comeback in the second quarter, with Jade Collins and Gracey Miles making many leads for their team.

However Sarah Austin shot well for Imperials and at half time the score was Imps 7, Jervois 1.

Jervois really rallied as a team in the third quarter with Zoe Gommers playing well for Jervois, but each attack they tried was deflected by Madison Fielke, who was one of Imperials’ best players, and she was supported by Molly Adler who shot well for Imps, which saw them eventual winners 8-1.

Jervois would like to thank the Imps girls for filling in positions and it was a great show of sportswoman ship.

Best - Jervois: Jade Collins, Tracey Miles. Imperials: Madison Fielke, Molly Adler.

Tigers still the team to beat

Joylene Crouch
7th April 08

THE River Murray Netball Association is set to sizzle this season with at least three clubs in contention to take out the premiership, but at this stage I believe Mypolonga are again the favourites.

Round one will test a couple of the sides, and will also expose a couple of new players and new combinations playing in the association this year.

Tailem Bend have the bye this week, and since they are still running with an A and A reserves squad this will give them time to make final decisions about their top side for season 2008.

Jervois v Imperials

Imperials have been fortunate to have regained the services of both Sharon Taylor and Penny Fielke in their lineup this season.

Both are strong physical players with a lot of netball experience, which will add to the balance of their side.

Sally Llewellyn was probably Jervois’ best player last season, and her individual battle with Taylor will be tightly contested, with neither giving much away.

In the mid court Imperials’ Carrie Daniels along with Fielke should dominate, especially if Daniels continues her form from last season.

Both are strong, read the play well and have speed to move the ball quickly and cleanly down the court. I just can’t see Jervois being able to stop this flow through the mid court.

The Jervois defence led by Julia Llewellyn will have some control over how easily the ball can be moved into Imperials’ goalers Casey Gregory and Olivia Scholz.

Llewellyn returns to the club after a few seasons off, and the strength of the Jervois defence will depend on how effective she is intercepting and rebounding balls.

Scholz comes with a good reputation, and it remains to be seen just how well her and Gregory combine in goals for Imperials in season 2008.

Bottom line: Jervois have a new coach, a new mentality and I think they will be very competitive in 2008, however in this match I feel Imperials will have the edge and should win by five to 10 goals.

Ramblers v Mannum

Both sides have new coaches, both of whom are well credentialed, making this a tough encounter.

With a number of changes to both sides, this may be a battle of which team settles the best and gets the goals on the board early.

Tania McFee is back in the Rambler side after a couple of season’s break.

She alone has the potential to make a difference in a match, and Mannum will need to watch her influence on the game.

The return of Tracy Loechel to the Mannum defence is a bonus for the side.

I think she will shut down the Rambler attack in this match, making it hard for them to penetrate the ring.

Chantelle Zadow joins the Mannum side in defence.

She has played in defence alongside Loechel before at Perponda, so if this combination gels, it will make things extremely difficult for sides in 2008.

Ramblers are running with some youth in their side, and Samantha Wehrmann is young, fit and extremely talented.

She reads the ball well, intercepts and puts her side into attack with precision.

I think she will challenge the Mannum mid court in this match.

The only concern is whether she has the support around her to maintain the momentum.

With the experience of Viv Rosenzweig in the mid court for Mannum, I feel Ramblers may struggle somewhat.

When Mannum get the ball they certainly move it down the court well through the Loechels and Rosenzweig, making it hard for the opposition.

Bottom line: Mannum have height and experience, Ramblers have a mix of experience and youth, however if Mannum are accurate in the ring they should be able to win by 10 plus goals.

Meningie v Mypolonga

This is a home game for Meningie, and that is one advantage for them in this match.

They have had to regroup this season, after a number of changes to the side, and they know this is probably going to be one of the toughest games they will play this season.

Coach Matt Hood knows what he is up against and has said that if his players can get to within 20 goals of Mypolonga, he will be pleased.

Mypolonga are a class act, there is no doubt about that, and they are going to set the benchmark again this season.

In this match it will be the little one percenters that Hood looks for from his players.

He will be hoping for Krystal Gibbs to step up and mount a challenge against Courtney Blacker in the mid court.

If Gibbs can stop the ball getting into Blacker’s hands and keep her out of the play on just a few occasions then she has done a good job, as Blacker is hard to stop.

Blacker is strong and hard at the ball.

She uses the space well and feeds into her goalers with precision.

She is probably one of the hardest players to stop in a game, can run out a whole game in the centre, and has the mental ability to stay focused for the duration of a match.

One Meningie player to watch this season is Tracy Mitchell in the goals.

She was probably one of their best players last year, and with another year’s experience behind her, will probably line up on Cass Martin in this match. Martin has a lot of experience and will make things hard for Mitchell and fellow Meningie goaler Jane Swan.

The form of Sharmon Banks and Megan Gillespie was superb in 2007, and given the return of both Cassie Rathjen and Aimee Pedlar in 2008, it is going to be very hard for the Meningie defence, led by Lauren Thorpe, in this match.

Thorpe is set to become one of the on-court leaders in this Meningie side.

She now has a few year’s experience at this level behind her, and is ready to take her game to the next level in 2008.

Bottom line: Mypolonga will win this match, however the result will depend on how kind their coach Pat Brown is feeling towards Meningie.

Realistically Mypolonga could win this match by 40 plus goals.

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Which River Murray team will win in 2008?

Joylene Crouch

In 2008 Mypolonga will be looking to make it five in a row and they certainly have the team to do it in the River Murray Netball Association with the return of a number of top line players who were missing for most of the season last year.

However, this season we see the return of the Loechel sisters to the Mannum line-up, which in itself makes them a top three side.

Last year’s grand finalists Imperials have regrouped and have strengthened, with the return of a couple of players from injury and motherhood.

I think both Mannum and Imperials will take it right up to Mypolonga this season, with the remainder of the competition fighting it out for fourth spot.

The first round matches between Mypolonga, Imperials and Mannum will give some indication as to just how good these sides are going to be.

At this early stage of the season, and only because I know the capabilities of the players concerned, it is hard to go past Mypolonga and Imperials as the teams that will be there fighting it out on grand final day.

Mypolonga are a class act, but I think the Imperial line-up for 2008 is one that can take it right up to them, and maybe even just cause a defeat or two this season.

Experience returns to Mypolonga

MYPOLONGA has set the benchmark for the past few seasons and 2008 will be no different.

The return of Cass Martin, Cass Rathjen, Aimee Pedler and Sheridan O’Brien from maternity leave certainly gives them a trump card in every position.

Last year’s association best and fairest Meagan Gillespie is without doubt one of the best shooters to grace our courts.

She uses the circle to her advantage, holds and positions herself well and is an absolute pleasure to watch.

Her accuracy is exceptional and she is an encouraging player on the court.

Gillespie could combine with Rathjen, Martin or Sharmon Banks in goals.

Any of these combinations is a match-winner, with coach Pat Brown having the option of a number of combinations in goals.

With an abundance of goalers in the side, I think we could expect to see Martin line-up in defence with O’Brien and Renae Jachmann on most occasions.

Jachmann stepped up last season and earned her place as one of the association’s best defenders and I would expect her to take her game to another level in 2008.

Courtney Blacker is a commanding player in the mid court, who sets the bar high.

She gives her all in every match, makes fantastic use of the space around her and every ball that comes her way.

With the return of Pedler to the mid court, I think we can expect a high standard of play from this side.

I think 2008 will see a few sides challenge Mypolonga, but with the line-up they have, the team has to start the season as flag favourites.

Coach: Pat Brown.

Player gains: Cassandra Rathjen, Cassie Martin, Aimee Pedler, Sheridan O’Brien (from maternity leave).

Player losses: Zoe Altmann (Adelaide), Sara Meneghetti, Tanya Clothier (A Reserves), Sam Allen (injured).

Ranking: 1.

Strong gains will boost Imperials

IMPERIALS are yet to finalise their side and rumour has it that Jenna Daniels may even make an appearance in 2008.

While there may be some uncertainty surrounding Daniels, Olivia Scholz is a certainty for the side and she will bring with her much expertise in the goal ring.

Scholz is most likely to line-up alongside Casey Gregory, and between them they will cause many opposition defenders concern throughout the season.

Both work the circle well and have good height and rebounding skills.

Carrie Daniels stepped up to the challenge in 2007, having her best season yet at this level and there is evidence that there will be a repeat performance in 2008.

Daniels feeds into her goalers with precision and with the return of Penny Fielke to the mid court, I would expect Imperials to have one of the fastest and most elusive mid courts in the competition.

It is uncertain as to who coach Jo Snell will play alongside Daniels and Fielke in the mid court, but my money is on Leah Zadow from last year’s reserves.

Zadow is a hard working, unassuming player, often slipping through the radar, but I think her time has come and she will more than likely be part of the line-up in 2008.

The return of Sharon Taylor to the side, coupled with the acquisition of Dallas Huxtable, gives Imperials the defensive line-up they need to put pressure on the top sides.

Imperials were a good side in 2007 and with the addition of Scholz, Taylor, Fielke and Huxtable, I feel this line-up is a likely contender for this year’s flag.

Coach: Jo Snell.

Player gains: Sharon Taylor (maternity leave). Penny Fielke (injury), Olivia Scholz (Adelaide), Leah Zadow, Kylie Burns (reserves), Sarah March (juniors), Dallas Huxtable (Ramblers).

Player losses: Danielle Ciampa (Bordertown), Kirstie Pilgrim (maternity leave), Hannah Dreckow (Austria), Katrina Miegel (Queensland).

Ranking: 2.

Mannum to contest finals

AMY and Tracy Loechel have returned to the club after a year’s experience in the city league, where Tracy in particular had an exceptional season.

They have learnt a lot from their experience and as coach Amy will be able to share this with the team.

Both players are well credentialed having been selected in the SA State Country Team on a number of occasions.

Jo Heward will assist in the coaching role on match day, which will allow Amy to focus on her own game in goals.

Loechel will team up with Katrina Reschke in goals.

Both have height and position themselves well in the ring.

Tracy Loechel will team up with Chantelle Zadow in defence.

Loechel is the probably one of the best defenders I have ever seen play in this association.

She has her eyes fixed on both the ball and the play, and takes advantage of every opportunity.

Not only does she defend the ball, but she runs the ball into her team’s attacking zone with precision.

Loechel and Zadow are no strangers to each other, having combined before in defence while both were playing at Perponda.

Zadow is a tall player with a long reach and comes to the club with a wealth of experience.

The mid court will see the return of Viv Rosenzweig, who has strength, versatility and experience.

The combination of Rosenzweig, Kim McQueen, Deanna Smith and Chantel Warnest will complement this side.

Both McQueen and Warnest have the opportunity to step up to the next level this year, and playing alongside of top quality players will certainly give them the opportunity they need.

Smith is a promising junior player, who reads the play well and is a solid defender.

If it all gels for this side, they certainly could be a grand finalist in 2008.

Coach: Amy Loechel.

Player gains: Tracy and Amy Loechel (Adelaide), Viv Rosenzweig (reserves), Deanna Smith (juniors), Chantelle Zadow (Karoonda).

Player losses: Kelly Kuhn (maternity leave), Kellie Schmidt, Kathy Rast, Renae Wakefield (A reserves).

Ranking: 3.

Jervois could sneak into the four

JERVOIS is still running with an A/A reserves squad at this stage, however one would expect that the Llewellyn twins would line-up as the pivotal players at either end of the court.

It has been a number of years since these two girls have played together in the same team and something that Jervois have anxiously awaited for sometime.

Both are tall, with a lot to offer the side and much of Jervois’ success will hinge on these two players.

Kelly Maczkowiack has had a couple of seasons at this level now and should be set for a mid court position alongside Tracy Kennett.

Both are young, fast players, read the play well and are set to take the next step in their netball careers.

Donna Jaensch is solid in defence and what she lacks in height against some of her opponents, she makes up for in body strength and determination.

I would expect Jaensch to line-up at keeper alongside Julia Llewellyn, in what is set to be one of the best Jervois line-ups for a number of seasons.

Abbie Watchel and Alisha Nagel are both young players with a lot of potential, and along with Ebony Cunningham, will make it hard for Sonya Cobbledick to make her final selections.

Cobbledick is passionate about her netball and takes the role of coach seriously.

She will want 110 per cent from her players each week and if she gets that, this side could cause a few upsets.

They have to stand tall against the more fancied sides and if it all works for them, they should be able to make the four in 2008.

Coach: Sonya Cobbledick

Player gains: Alisha Nagel (Tailem Bend), Julia Llewellyn (return), Ebony Cunningham (Kalangadoo), Cassie Brion (juniors), Kristyn Morris, Nicky Smith, Julia Southwell, Abbie Watchel (A reserves).

Player losses: Sonya Carr (Adelaide), Julie Emerson (year off).

Ranking: 4/5.

Ramblers have potential

THE return of Tania McFee and Brooke Edwards will add depth to the side.

Both are experienced players and part of the job for them this season will be to lift the confidence of some of the younger team members.

This side has the potential to have four Wehrmanns, with the return of Katey to the club and the promotion of Samantha to the senior ranks.

Along with sisters Nicole and Melanie, all these players have a lot of talent.

Last season we marvelled as Samantha played her junior grand final, only to line up again in the reserves grand final, and excel in both games.

She is a versatile player and given the support of coach Leanne Hurford, she will develop into one of the best players Ramblers has produced for many years.

Carrie Edwards is an under-rated player who has missed a number of opportunities over the years.

Her year off with maternity leave has matured her and I would expect her to challenge for a position in this side.

Kelly Barton Ancliffe stepped up last year and held her own against opposition players of a high calibre.

She will challenge for a permanent spot in the side this season.

Kendyl Knot is a strong defender, capable of intercepting and turning balls over.

If she can take her game to the next level and remain disciplined in 2008, she will be adding a new depth to the Rambler side.

Coach Leanne Hurford has the job before her, and like a number of her counterparts in 2008, is looking to the future and the youth.

She has a good list and if it all gels for her, this side could cause some damage.

They have the potential to be a top four side and to make it hard for the top sides - it is up to them now to show us they are contenders in 2008.

Coach: Leanne Hurford.

Player gains: Brooke Edwards, Tania McFee (maternity leave), Samantha Wehrmann (juniors).

Player losses: Rachel Liebelt (overseas), Sarah Price (injury), Raelee Vick (work), Candice Hartmann (basketball), Tamara Marchetti (maternity leave), Dallas Huxtable (Imperials).

Ranking: 4/5.

Meningie could struggle this season

COACH Matthew Hood is showing faith in some promising junior players in season 2008.

Beth Marsson is more than six foot tall and will add some height to the side in defence.

She is still eligible for the underage competition, however under the direction of Hood, has the opportunity to develop and play an important role in this team.

Lauren Thorpe has had a number of seasons at this level and will need to take on some on court leadership roles.

Thorpe is a fit player, with good vision down the court.

The success of the Meningie defence will depend on how well Thorpe and Marsson combine.

If it all works, this could be a good combination, one that has the potential to make things difficult for opposition sides.

There is no doubt that Josie Saddlier, Krystal Gibbs and Wonita Gibbs are probably the fittest they have collectively been for some time.

They have all come up through the ranks at Meningie and have been good junior players.

Krystal Gibbs has been a part of the A grade side for a couple of seasons now, and with such a young line-up around her, she will need to step up to another level.

I have no doubt that she has the potential to be a damaging player.

The return of Jane Swan, coupled with the retention of Tracey Mitchell in goals, gives Meningie both height and experience in the circle.

Mitchell was a focal point for the side last year and will need to continue her form in 2008 if they are to take it up to the top sides.

Meningie has the opportunity with this side, which is reasonably young, to be a finals contender in a couple of season’s time.

In season 2008 they will have some good matches and they will make opposition sides work hard, however I think they may struggle to make the four.

Coach: Matthew Hood.

Player gains: Beth Marsson, Josie Saddlier, Wonita Gibbs (juniors), Jane Swan (maternity leave).

Player losses: Ali Hilton (overseas), Carly Vivian (Adelaide), Kirsty Bagshaw (A reserves).

Ranking: 6.

Tailem needs stability

TAILEM Bend is running with a squad of 17 players at this stage, giving a number of players the opportunity to develop into the 2008 A grade side.

Last year Sarah Durdin took her game to new heights.

She was a good junior player, however in 2007 she showed signs of what she was capable of and I would expect her to step up even further.

She combined well with Denise Edwards in goals last year and at this early stage one could expect this combination to continue in 2008.

There are a number of young players in the squad with coaches Denise Edwards and Vicki McArdle keen to promote the youth.

Jess Durdin, Melissa Edwards and Vicki Mayfield have come up through the juniors at Tailem and now have a reasonable number of senior matches to their names.

The return of Zoe Tomkinson after a year’s experience playing in Adelaide will add height to the side and she returns a more matured and experienced player.

Rhiannon Wilson and Kara Haslam are two new younger players to the club, however both come from strong bloodlines with a lot of netball experience in their families.

Rumour also has it that there may be another young player joining them at Tailem this season, who could give the team a bit of a lift.

Tailem has lost a couple of strong players this season, however Athalie McArdle (Slape) is both a strong mid court player and feeder into the goalers.

I would expect her to be pivotal in this side in 2008.

It will be a new look Tailem side in 2008, a young side, but one that will develop over the season.

If they can keep some stability in the side over the next few years it has the potential to take Tailem back to a top four contender within the next five years.

However, I think victories in 2008 may be a little harder to attain.

Coach: Denise Edwards and Vicki McArdle.

Player gains: Zoe Tomkinson (Tango Intermediate), Deanne Gower, Tonya Merritt, Brigitta Gilles, Rhiannon Wilson (Lutheran), Kara Haslam (Loxton North), Tina Penhall, Geemus Green (Jervois).

Player losses: Kimberley Rowland, Jodie Jaensch (maternity leave), Tara Attrill (study).

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The 2007 netball season that was

Joylene Crouch

WITH yet another season of netball over, it is now time for clubs to reflect on the season that was.

Once again Mypolonga proved to be the dominant force in River Murray netball in 2007, winning their fourth consecutive premiership.

Mypolonga

Mypolonga had a number of player losses at the start of the season and also throughout the season.

Probably the most devastating was that of young mid court player Sam Allen.

Allen had just found her feet in the top side and was proving to be a valuable player until injury struck early in the season.

Hopefully she will be fully recovered and back in 2008.

With such a large number of the Mypolonga absentees likely to return in 2008 after their maternity leave, it is hard to imagine who the players may be who will miss out on a spot in the side in 2008.

Meagan Gillespie was a recruiter’s dream this season.

She has slotted into the side well and her association best and fairest win highlighted her talent as a goaler.

We had heard rumours the last couple of years, but eventually it happened when Sharmon Banks made her long awaited debut in the Mypolonga A grade side.

Having had the experience of playing at a higher level brought a new dimension into the side.

Courtney Blacker still committed 100 per cent to each game she played, driving through the mid court and into goals with ease most weeks.

Her feeding into the goalers was exceptional.

The most improved player in the side, and probably in the whole association this season, has been Renae Jachmann.

She stepped up to a higher level in her game, played a key position each week and would be arguably the best defender in the association.

What was pleasing about Mypolonga this season was that some young players had the opportunity to be permanent players in the side.

Sara Meneghetti has worked hard this season, as has Zoe Altmann, who has really stepped up in attack.

I think playing alongside strong players has lifted both these players to new levels.

Mypolonga are a champion team, however they also have the fortune of being a team of champions.

Coach Pat Brown has guided these players and kept them motivated and focused throughout the season.

The future: It looks good for Mypo with many players set to return and a good bunch of young ones coming through.

Imperials

Imperials had some rough patches early in the season.

Not only did they have some dramas trying to establish a strong goaler combination, but they also did not quite have the height required in defence.

However they were strong enough to make it to the grand final and I think one of the things that worked for them was taking a chance on a young player.

Casey Gregory was given the opportunity to come into the A grade and to play alongside Hannah Dreckow.

They are both tall players with a good eye for the game and they caused opposition defenders concern throughout the season.

Imps had a couple of huge player losses from last season, however they recruited well with Danielle Ciampa and Kirsty Pilgrim.

Both are athletic players, with speed and agility moving down the court. Pilgrim lacked a little height as a circle defender, however she had a good reach and rebounded and intercepted well.

I feel Asha Weise is an underestimated player.

She goes about her job each week, however having to sometimes play as a circle defender took her away from where I believe she plays her best netball, at wing defence.

The big improver in the Imperials side this season was Carrie Daniels.

She has always been a precision player, however this season she found a new level and relished in the challenge before her each week.

Jo Snell has done well with this bunch of girls.

They were overtaken by a better side in the second half of the grand final, but if Sharon Taylor and Penny Fielke can make it back into the side in 2008 I think Imps could be a force to be reckoned with.

The future: With some possible vital returns in 2008, Imps will be up there with the best.

Mannum

Mannum were in trouble early in the season.

They had players missing, they couldn’t settle and the comment started to flow thick and fast - “no Loechels, no Mannum”.

I think that was enough to fire up coach Joy Egmanis and the Mannum girls, and slowly but surely they edged their way back.

After watching Mannum early in the season, who would have thought it the same team that lost by one-goal in the preliminary final to Imps a few months later.

Kelly Kuhn and Katrina Reschke found some good patches throughout the season, however they play on confidence and when things are going well, they are unbeatable.

When they start to miss goals and lose their range, it takes a while to regain the momentum.

The big improvers in this side were their defenders Kathy Rast and Kellie Schmidt.

Both have played at this level before, but not with the maturity, determination and passion they had in 2007.

They are both tall with a long reach and they used this to their advantage.

Most weeks they were standing some of the best players in the association, making their job even harder.

For the past few seasons Mannum have been a tall side and this was again the case in 2007, with some height also in their mid court.

I was pleased with the efforts of the mid court players this season.

They worked together well and it has been pleasing watching the progress of players like Chantel Warnest develop over the past couple of years.

Apart from a short injury absence mid season, Warnest has been a consistent performer in the side in 2007.

The future: Mannum are not far off the pace and rumour has it one Loechel may return in 2008.

This being the case, Mannum will be right up there.

Ramblers

Ramblers looked good at the start of the season and were fortunate in the recruiting department.

Acquiring the services of Raelee Vick in goals was a real bonus for them.

Vick had height and she’s a confident player on the court.

She worked the circle to perfection and made it hard for opposition defenders.

Sarah Price was the other new recruit for Ramblers.

Along with Rachael Liebelt in the mid court, these two players created space and were dominant in most games.

This would have to be one of the best seasons I have seen Liebelt have.

Not only was Price a fast running player through the mid court, she was also used in defence on a couple of occasions, showing a great deal of versatility.

If Ramblers are able to maintain these three players in 2008 and build on their strengths, I think they can be a real force.

There was a lot of unsettledness in the side, with injury, pregnancy and some personality clashes, that made settling this side hard for coach Shirley Hartmann.

There are some talented young Rambler players who are not far away from this level, and if they can be coached into this side with strong direction, I think Ramblers will have a strong team in the next couple of seasons.

Candice Hartmann is one of those players.

She is an excellent player with a lot of talent and had some experience in the top side in the later part of the season.

Both the 17 and under and 15 and under division one sides played off in the grand final.

There is certainly some talent in those teams, which is a great sign for the future of the club.

The future: Ramblers must either recruit or promote their talented juniors in 2008 if they are to be a force.

Jervois

Jervois looked like they were set to take on the world at the start of the season.

After lacking height for a number of seasons, it appeared that 2007 may be a little different to the past few years.

However as time went on, this was not to be the case, as time after time they were not able to beat the top sides.

This must have been frustrating for coach Sherilee Jaensch.

They had a strong attacking line up with Sally Llewellyn in goals and Sonya Carr presenting as a taller mid court option.

These two played well together, but the side as a whole lacked some consistency.

They were faced with running with eight players, after a late inclusion, however early in the season players were absent, or injured, making it hard to settle a regular line up.

Julie Emerson was a tall recruit in defence and started to find her feet in the second half of the season.

The big improver in the side was Donna Jaensch in defence.

A strong goal keeper, Jaensch had a number of games at goal defence this season.

She read the play well and turned over many balls for the team each week.

Kelley Maczkowiack is a player to watch in this side.

She has had some good matches this season and is on the verge of being a consistent name in the best player list each week.

I would like to see her challenged and extended to a key position.

With careful mentoring in 2008, I think then we will see the development of a good mid court player for Jervois.

The future: Jervois needs to recruit a couple of key players to complement their list if they are to be contenders for the top four in 2008.

Meningie

Meningie have a young list and do quite well each season.

With most of their players 21 and under, it is a credit to coach Matt Hood that this team have been as competitive as they have been the past couple of seasons.

They lost a key player early in the season and lacked some height in defence.

Kirsty Bagshaw is such a good, solid defender and brings maturity to the side.

She is a brilliant wing defence, however this season saw her as a circle defender with Lauren Thorpe.

These two players never gave in week after week.

Meningie were fortunate to regain the services of Tracey Mitchell in goals.

She gave them a focal point in goals with good height and strength in the ring.

Carly Vivian backed up well in goals and formed a good partnership with Mitchell, however I think Vivian has a lot more talent than we have seen from her this season.

I think if Meningie are able to retain her as part of this team, we will see her develop into a good goaler for the club.

Two players who have had stood out to me in the Meningie side are Ali Hilton and Krystle Gibbs.

Both work the mid court well and create opportunities for their team-mates.

They position themselves well on the ring and feed into their goalers well.

Gibbs is a young player and is playing a key position in the side.

Given a couple more seasons and maturity, she will develop into a good netballer.

The future: Meningie desperately need to recruit a couple of key players to this line-up to be a force in 2008.

They have a lot of talented youth but they need some talented mature players to blend with the side.

Tailem Bend

Tailem Bend recruited Tara Attrill to the side and she gave them some drive through the mid court.

They also recruited a new coach in Jo Lokan.

The season was difficult for Lokan, who had not coached before, as she went about settling an A grade side for the season.

Athalie Slape had a good season in the mid court, which was arguably her best season with the club.

Slape, along with Attrill and Jodie Jaensch, formed a strong mid court most weeks.

Over the past few seasons we have seen some talented juniors come up through the ranks at Tailem Bend and for one reason or another they are not playing there now.

This season saw them for the first time in many years without a 17 and under team in the competition.

Hopefully they can field this age group in 2008, as this is the breeding ground for future A grade players.

There are some talented young players coming up through the ranks and hopefully in the next couple of seasons we see them in the top side.

Sarah and Jess Durdin both played in the Tailem team this year, and on the occasions I saw them play, I saw spurts of their former talented junior days.

I think these girls need challenging and mentoring like a couple of the younger players at other clubs.

I think then we will see some good netball from these girls.

The future: Tailem Bend need to recruit a couple of key position players and probably a mentor with some coaching experience to assist the talent coming through.

Rumour has it they may also be looking for a new coach in 2008.

Crouch’s standouts

The surprise packet - Meagan Gillespie (Mypolonga)

The recruit - Raelee Vick (Ramblers)

The experienced - Sharmon Banks (Mypolonga)

The improver - Renae Jachmann (Mypolonga)

The underrated - Asha Weise (Imperials)

The rising stars - Zoe Altmann (Mypolonga), Casey Gregory (Imperials)