Could the Bulldogs somehow sneak their way into the 2025 Kyabram District League netball finals? Their round 10 win over Undera certainly got the back end of their campaign off to a nice start.
Merrigum v Undera
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Despite a slow start to the match at Undera Recreation Reserve, a young and inexperienced Merrigum side romped back into the contest through the next three quarters to emerge victorious.
With two under-17 players and a B-grade 17-year-old stepping into the fray against the Lions, the Bulldogs’ frenetic energy kept them in it, despite trailing at the first break.
“We lost the first quarter by a couple of goals, so it was a bit of a slow start by us,” Merrigum A-grade coach Blynda Tranter said.
“We went on to win the two middle quarters and then the last quarter quite convincingly, so it took us a little bit to get into the systems and structures we normally settle into.
“We were without our regular goal shooter, so we’ve had a few of our under-17 girls fill in for us in Alyssa Clark and Alyssa Christou.
“We also had one of our B-grade goalers, Hollie Saywell, play for us as well, and she’s only 17.
“Those girls who stepped in for us did really well, particularly Hollie, she shot beautifully for three quarters of the game.”
Tranter also highlighted her mid-court dynamic duo and defensive anchor as key to the Bulldogs’ success against Undera, putting the Lions to the sword 36 to 46.
“Our midcourt is really fast and dynamic with our twins Rae Elrayah and Rayaa Elrayah at wing attack and centre, they’re playing beautiful netball,” she said.
“Defensively we’ve got a couple of girls out at the moment, but one of our recruits, Achol Padual, has become our leader down that end of the court.
“I was stoked with how the girls responded after that first quarter, it looked a bit scrappy at some points, but I was pleased with the win.”
When asked if a finals birth could be on the cards for Merrigum with a late push in the back half of the season, Tranter was bullish, but said it wasn’t out of the question.
“They’re just working out how to play together as a new unit halfway through the season which makes it tricky, but they’re doing an impressive job,” she said.
“We are building, finals may be just out of our reach because we have a tough run in, it’s a possibility, but it will be difficult.
“Our goal is to just keep climbing up the ladder and see what happens, because that middle section of the competition is really tight.”
Rushworth v Stanhope
In a clash with rivals Stanhope, Rushworth continued its rich run of form at home, cruising to a 51-33 win.
Bolstered by the news of A-grade coach and centre Sheree Starling re-signing for the 2026 season, the Tigers put on a display in the battle of the big cats.
However, it wasn’t without resistance as the Lions weren’t going to die wondering, but ended up falling 18 goals short.
The final score was 51-33.
Ashlyn Materne, Lilly Waasdorp and Mikaela Hanson were named as Rushworth’s best-on-court, while Shanae Fisher, Jinaya Nurse, Felicity Hall and Nicole McPhee were named as Stanhope’s top performers.
Both the Tigers and Lions are in for interesting battles ahead, with Rushworth taking on Shepparton East and Stanhope facing Avenel in round 11.
Girgarre v Avenel
Girgarre started off the back half of its title defence in style, getting over the top of the Swans at Avenel Recreation Reserve.
Even the Roos have slipped down to fourth on the standings in a tight top of the table group, a win over fifth place Avenel proved there are levels to the competition.
A 56 to 41 victory for Girgarre leaves it in a positive position with eight games still remaining in the season.
Usual suspect goaler Jacqui Gahan found herself back in the best-on list, alongside defender Allana Adams.
The Roos are in for a true test of constitution in round 11 when they come up against second place Nagambie this weekend.
Lancaster v Nagambie
Speaking of Nagambie, the Lakers got over the top of the struggling Wombats in round 11 at Nagambie Recreation Reserve.
So far in the 2025 KDL season, Lancaster has failed to live up to its 2024 runner-up finish, with a loss to a top side further emphasising its need for improvement.
It was a solid effort from the Wombats, but ultimately, Nagambie was too classy in a 30-52 finish.
Larissa Sherman, Dakota Reid, Millie Hall and Allana Kuiper were all named in Lancaster’s best.
The Wombats will have a chance to get back on the winner’s list when they face Undera at home in round 11.
Cadet Journalist