Blighty determined at Dookie

The girls fought hard from the first whistle to the last, and it was great to see so many things we’ve been working on at training starting to come together on court.

Our defensive end worked tirelessly all day, and never stopped applying pressure.

Olive Morton and Alicia Osborne were outstanding in the ring together, using their speed, communication and teamwork to create plenty of contests and turnovers.

Their effort and persistence all game could not be faulted.

Ava McInnes also did an amazing job today, giving it her all every minute she was on the court. Her effort, determination and willingness to keep working hard for her teammates was fantastic to see.

It was also great to finally have our full team on court together.

You can really see everyone starting to learn each other’s style of play and build combinations across the court.

Even when things got tough, the encouragement and positivity from the team never dropped.

There are plenty of positives to take from the game, and we’re excited to keep building as the season goes on.

Awards: Olive Morton, Alicia Osborne, Ava McInnes.

B-grade: Blighty 14 def by Dookie United 50.

Another tough game against a very strong and well-connected side.

While the scoreboard didn’t fall in our favour, the girls never dropped their heads and fought hard right through until the final whistle.

Our defence worked tirelessly all game against an incredibly accurate shooting combination, making them earn every single goal.

The pressure and effort down the defensive end certainly didn’t go unnoticed, and the midcourt never stopped running.

Even with multiple positional changes throughout the game, the girls adapted seamlessly and continued to work together so well that you barely noticed the changes taking place.

Our shooters were really put to the test against a tough defensive line-up, but they continued to fight hard, work for every opportunity and never gave up.

Every player went out there, did their job, and should be incredibly proud of the effort and determination they showed across the entire game.

Awards: Nicole Felmingham, Georgia Moody and Megan Gull.

C-grade: Blighty 15 def by Dookie United 54.

The C-grade girls came out with their fighting spirit from the very first quarter.

The shooting circle of Emma Brain and Rach Bucholtz combined beautifully with Grace Reid through the midcourt, proving once again what a strong connection these three have together.

Ciara D’Aprile was impressive all day, showing just how much her netball skills continue to improve each week. Her determination and effort never dropped for a second.

Mikayla Collie also had a solid game, working hard to move the ball down the court and always making herself available.

In defence, Ruby Williams, Niccola Stanworth and Chook Watson worked tirelessly for the entire game, applying constant pressure and never giving up.

Krystle Winter also put in a strong performance and worked hard all day.

The girls set themselves some goals to work towards against a team sitting high on the ladder, and they should be proud of the way they went about achieving them.

Now it’s time for a little reset with the bye, before coming back ready to fight again.

Award: Ciara D’Aprile.

C-reserve: Blighty 9 def by Dookie United 48.

The C-reserve girls came into this week determined to improve their game, and every single player gave 100 per cent effort from the first whistle to the last.

Up against one of the top teams, the girls never stopped working hard and showed great determination all game.

Suzette Van der Berg showed how versatile she can be, and was amazing in both GS and GK, while Grace Ingram continued to impress in GK/GD.

Grace has improved this season and is clearly taking on all the feedback from training.

Carissa Godfrey was also impressive, working hard in defence and achieving some great turnovers.

Sarah Bain proved to be a versatile player, switching from defence to attack and showed some impressive skills in WA.

Jess Butcher and Sarah Nihill alternated through centre and continue to strive to improve every week, always taking on feedback and giving their all.

Renee Huckin also stepped into centre for the first time and did a fantastic job.

Quiet achiever, Juliet Barber, had a great game and Belle Grant has been a valuable asset coming into the game.

Alena Larmour did not stop all game, always able to get out for the centre pass and running all game.

Awards: Suzette Van der Berg, Sarah Nihill, Sarah Bain and Grace Ingram.

Under-17s: Blighty 26 def by Dookie United 48.

It was a tough day of netball against a well drilled and taller Dookie team.

We were really impressed with how our team played. The girls pushed themselves and encouraged each other from start to finish.

The Good Sports award went to Lily Petersen who, despite a lot of pressure from strong defenders, kept her cool and kept plugging great goals as goal shooter.

Izzy Pearn did a great job in defence against tall goal shooters, and Amelia Hay demonstrated great structured play in goal attack and centre.

Eliza Weir also put in a huge effort in the centre and had a go at goal attack.

Awards: Eliza Weir, Amelia Hay, Izzy Pearn, Lily Petersen.

Under-15s: Blighty 21 def by Dookie United 44.

Blighty under-15s faced a tough challenge against Dookie, going down in a hard-fought contest.

Despite the scoreboard, the girls showed plenty of determination and never gave up throughout the four quarters.

Dookie came out strongly early, using quick ball movement and accurate shooting to build a lead.

Blighty worked hard to stay in the contest, with strong defensive pressure from Lily Petersen and Mila Bode, while Sophie Pearn worked persistently to shut down her opponents.

The midcourt players - including Lexie Hines, Alexis Bucholtz and Emma Taylor - battled tirelessly, creating several opportunities through quick transitions and smart passing.

In attack, Blighty showed patience and persistence, converting some excellent passages of play into goals.

Ella Charlton once again stood tall in the goal ring, while Ruby Birt continued to show consistent improvement.

Although the result didn’t go their way, the team can be proud of their effort, sportsmanship and commitment.

Awards: Lily Petersen, Ruby Birt, Sophie Pearn, Leena Seely.

Under-13s: Blighty 16 def by Dookie United 27.

The under-13s went down, but the girls should be very proud of their effort and attitude.

We had to make a few changes to the team, and all we asked was for the girls to keep smiling, support each other and give their best.

They did exactly that, giving 110 per cent all game.

Gabbi Dunmore is normally in the midcourt, but we gave her a run at GD and she absolutely smashed it. We are so proud of how she attacked the ball and backed herself in defence.

Peggy McKenzie showed great leadership through the midcourt, helping calm the team and working hard to feed the ball into our shooters.

Pippa Holden also had a fantastic game in defence and never stopped trying all day.

Jewel Winter did a wonderful job supporting and cheering on her teammates throughout the game, bringing great positivity to the team.

Awards: Gabbi Dunmore, Peggy McKenzie, Pippa Holden, Jewel Winter.

Under-11s (Minis): Not scored.

The minis played out a bit differently on Saturday, with both Blighty and Dookie short on players.

Despite that, the girls played a cracker of a game.

Alice Doherty played a great game with her strong defence in the goal ring.

Pocket rocket Liv Butcher made great passes around the ring, leading to her amazing goals.

Millie Bucholtz worked hard all day to keep her player on their toes, making the ball flow down the court, definitely one of her best games.

The girls did so well playing, not only for Blighty, but also being great sports and playing for Dookie.

Awards: Alice Doherty, Liv Butcher, Millie Bucholtz.