Embracing NAIDOC Week, Wallan and Woodend-Hesket netballers were dressed in Indigenous design in round 13 of the Riddell District Football Netball League (RDFNL).
A Welcome to Country, which included a Smoking Ceremony, was delivered by Wurundjeri Elder Colin Hunter Jnr, at Wallan’s home ground before the game commenced.
As soon as the play went underway, the Magpies powered through the first period, making a one-point lead, continuing its firm game of netball.
Woodend absorbed Wallan’s power in the second period, producing many baskets to attempt a takeover, but the Magpies kept their one-point lead.
Third period, Woodend eventually took Wallan’s lead, ending with a three-point lead.
A low scoring game for the sides, Woodend embraced its win with 26-31.
Wallan is now behind Woodend on the ladder, and will play away against Macedon in round 15 – a side that is just below the home side on the leaderboard.
Elsewhere, Lancefield returned strong from its bye, displaying an incredible team effort against Diggers Rest in an away game.
The match started off fairly well between the sides, with the Tigers producing a three-point lead, but Diggers were not prepared for what to expect in the next two periods.
Lancefield put on its game face, extending its three-point lead to a 17-point lead by the end of the second period.
Diggers did not hold back, adding 10 points during the third period, but the Tigers clenched on to their extensive lead for the last two periods, securing the 35-62 win.
Lancefield’s Shanae Brundell had a fantastic shooting game with 41 goals, as well as Darcee Ellard in goal attack position, with 21 goals to her name.
Lancefield netballers will host Romsey in round 14 on Saturday.
Football
In football news, Wallan recovered from its loss the other week against Diggers, and showed up to its home game with Woodend-Hesket on Saturday,
Although the side were not the leading team by the end of the first quarter, behind by three points, Wallan committed to taking the lead during the second quarter, with five behinds and three goals.
Motivation was the tickle behind Wallan’s shoulder during the third quarter, as the side went on to possess four goals, while Woodend only produced a goal and a behind in the mix of Wallan’s goals.
By the time of the fourth quarter, the scoreboard was presenting a 35-point lead from Wallan.
With another three goals and the same number of behinds, Wallan kicked its way to an 83-45 win.
Assistant coach Spencer Mathieson said it was pleasing to take the win after last week’s challenging performance with Diggers.
“We put in a great four quarter effort. It was pleasing to see us bounce back after our indifferent performance against Diggers,” he said.
“Our players have a lot of pride in their performance, and were keen to atone for last week and they did.
“Our better players were Chris Stewart, Hayden Gill, Corey Viani, Sean Morris, and Brodie Gilchrist, but we had a lot of contributors this week.
“Next week we play Macedon away who have been in good form and play well at home, so we’re looking forward to the challenge.”
Nearby, Lancefield confronted Diggers Rest on Saturday who are currently second on the ladder.
It was a hard game to watch for Lancefield supporters, considering Diggers only let the side make one point in the first quarter, with none to add in the second.
But the stretched lead did not stop Lancefield to restrict its own game, firing a few more goals and behinds in the third quarter – the biggest quarter for Lancefield in the challenging match.
The final score saw a major win from Diggers, with 98-22.
Lancefield will go up against its ancient rivals Romsey, who will return from a bye, while Wallan footballers will take on Macedon away in round 14 of RDFNL.
