Four wins from four games gave Broadford a clean sweep in netball games against Powelltown on Saturday.
Despite the cold conditions, the sun was shining at Harley Hammond Reserve on Saturday, welcoming Powelltown to Broadford for the first time since the Kangaroos joined the Outer East competition.
Traditionally a strong club across the board, Powelltown was always sure to present challenges for the Kangaroos.
Broadford’s A Grade netballers notched up another win, cruising to a 54-26 victory in midcourt player Bree Chapman’s 50th game.
A tight opening term meant the game was in the balance at quarter time, but the Kangaroos put their foot down in the second quarter to lead 26-12 at half time.
Defenders Megan Berger and Toni Bootland were named in the best, alongside the consistent Ally Black.
After four rounds, Broadford sit in second position on the ladder, on the same amount of points as Warburton-Millgrove, first, and Yarra Glen, third.
In B Grade, Broadford is undefeated and sits atop of the ladder. A convincing 64-38 win against Powelltown on Saturday included stand-out performances by Carina Mills and Anita Morgan, and 57 goals by Toni Bootland in a rematch of the 2022 grand final.
Broadford’s C Grade team won a thriller by two goals, with new player Millie Stephenson shining.
The Kangaroos’ under 17 team came from behind to win 18-10, with captain Shayla White, Eliza Dawson and Bella Hargreaves named in the best.
Football
The highlight of the football for the day was the performance of Broadford’s reserves team, which went agonisingly close to a win.
Broadford started the game well and went into the first break leading by four points.
It was anyone’s game at the main break, with 10 points separating the two sides, but Broadford could not claw its way back in front, and eventually lost by 21 points.
Jack Connell kicked four goals for Broadford, which had several players filling in for the match due to players being required to play senior games.
Broadford’s seniors had a tough day at the office, losing by 113 points to last year’s premiers Powelltown.
The Kangaroos’ only goal for the day, by Zach Neilson, came in the third quarter.
While Broadford showed glimpses of quality play, they were unable to take advantage when the football went forward.
Co-captain Liam Lucas, racking up countless possessions and clearances, and Dean Tydell, dominant in the ruck, were the Kangaroos’ best players for the day.
Broadford will need to regroup quickly as it has a chance of a long-awaited win in the seniors against Yarra Junction, also winless this season.
The away game against Yarra Junction on Saturday is followed by a league bye on May 20, with another away match against Warburton-Millgrove on May 27.
