A season high for this emerging Hawks unit

One of the biggest success stories from the Wangaratta Ovens and Murray Derby Day was the triumph of the Rovers C grade netball team. The Hawks are in a titanic struggle with the Magpies for a top two position and were able to reverse an earlier season drubbing to emerge six goal winners and go one game clear into second spot, within striking distance of finishing top. Rovers C grade coach Deb Doyle was understandably chuffed with her team's efforts. "The last time we faced Maggies, we went down by 21 goals," Doyle said. "They were a strong, skilled team coming off a grand final win last season, and we were still finding our feet as a new group. "It’s been great to have Ella Masters back while on uni break, and Emma Kreltszheim return from overseas. "Our team has been led strongly by co-captains Tyler Cleal and Maggie Chant, and this win felt like finals intensity from start to finish. "This time around, we were fitter, stronger, and 'netball-smarter' than in round one. "They’ve been the benchmark all season and are always tough opponents, so it was a great feeling to come out on top. "That said, we know we can’t afford to get comfortable; there’s still work to do." Doyle said every player needed to step up for the clash and they did. She praised her shooters, Lauren Flynn and Mia Eddington, shooting at 86 and 89 per cent accuracy, and Holly Semmens for her versatility. "This week, we needed Holly to strengthen our midcourt, so she stepped into wing attack and was a real game changer," Doyle said. "In defence, Sam Lyster continues to impress with her calm presence, and at 188cm she has an amazing reach. "She worked brilliantly alongside Maggie Chant, who was dominant in defence, and Ella Masters, who reads the play beautifully. "Tyler Cleal rounded out a solid defensive unit with her strong presence and leadership. "In the midcourt, Lily Shanley and Charlotte Annett, have improved massively over the season, and along with Emma Kreltszheim, they’ve added energy, speed, and control through the middle. "I am super proud of the entire team's efforts." The Rovers have a host of young talent coming through, which Doyle said has been a real focus for the club. "We’re seeing the benefits across all grades, including C grade," she said. "Coaches like Jeynelle Henderson (U15s) and Mina “Stacey” Lamb (U17s) have played a huge role in developing and encouraging our younger players. "They’ve been real constants at the club and are passionate about helping players grow." Doyle started coaching netball when she was 15, growing up in the Lilydale Yarra Valley League. During her uni years she was a playing coach, and since then has coached various junior teams at WNA, development squads for Rovers, and plenty of school teams too. "My involvement in coaching has been a bit on and off over the years, as I’ve also taken on roles like team manager, umpire, NetSetGo coordinator, and of course, cheering on my daughter Amelie throughout her netball journey (she now lives and studies in Adelaide)," Doyle said. "This year I took on the role of C grade coach with the added support of Mina as my mentor. "Her guidance and wisdom have been invaluable. "It’s also been great to work alongside fellow coaches Jodie Gibson, Perri McCarthy, Kylie Harvey and Gracie Reid, a team effort that I’ve appreciated. "I just love the game, the team camaraderie, and the club atmosphere. "And yes, I still play. "In years gone by I have played O&K (North Wang) and O&M (Rovers) netball, but I’ve been playing social netball here in Wangaratta on Wednesday nights since I first moved here in 1996 - yikes, that’s nearly 30 years! "I took a break from Wednesday night games in the first half of this year due to work and coaching commitments, but I’m looking forward to getting back on court for the second half of the season." For Doyle the O&M season is more a marathon than a sprint "You don’t win games in the first quarter; our focus is on playing four strong quarters each week," she said. "We want to keep building consistency, stick to our structures, and never underestimate our opponents. "What I’ve loved most about this team is their openness to feedback and reflecting on their own game. "They’re willing to recognise where we need to improve and put the work in. "Our mantra is to play hard, but laugh harder, and that we do."

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