THE South West District Netball League had some enthralling match ups on the weekend with the clash between last year’s grand finalists resulting in a closely fought hit out, with Tyrendarra claiming the win 57-48 against Dartmoor.

Across the weekend all games were decided by 10 goals or less with the competition proving to be closely contested in 2024.

There wasn’t much separating the Darras and the Giants early in the game with the pressure across the court forcing mistakes in the first quarter.

Plenty of pressure was applied across the first half with Tyrendarra’s defensive unit working hard to push their side out to a five-goal lead.

Dartmoor turned the game in the third quarter with their ability to steady through their midcourt in Hana Layley and Morgan Hamill and attack with little hesitation saw them close the gap on the scoreboard.

The Giants reduced the margin to two goals heading into the final term; however, Tyrendarra was able to steady through their shooting targets in Hannah Van Gemst and Eliza Alexander to push the lead back out and secure a nine-goal win.

Tyrendarra coach Kylie Kane said it was a great hit out at the round five mark of the season.

“It was what we expected in that it was a high level, intense game with pressured defence against a skilful side,” she said.

“Our girls had to work really hard, but I think their ability to absorb pressure at times was excellent and that’s what got us over the line.

“As a unit Dartmoor’s connection is a strength. Their accuracy and goaling combinations were very good and defensively across the court their pressure was high intensity for four full quarters.”

Moving forward Kane said her side’s decision making will be a focal point under high pressure contests.

“I think some of our decision making and turnovers is something we’ll work on after that game,” she said

“We’ll definitely take away things we need to focus on in certain sections of the court, not as much across the board.

“But I thought for us Hannah (Van Gemst) and Eliza (Fitzpatrick) were both amazing.

“Hannah’s ability to step it up to another level in games like that is just incredible and Eliza’s intercepts and hunting are huge for us every week.”

Heywood records first win for 2024

The game between Heywood and Branxholme-Wallacedale was always going to be a well-fought one as both sides were vying for their first win for the season, with the Lions coming away victors earning a 47-37 win.

It was a tight first quarter with both sides going goal for goal. The Saints took an early lead at the quarter break 13 to 11.

Heywood made some changes at the quarter break and moved Jess Lovett-Murray into goal keeper and Tiarna Keegan into goal defence. This combination seemed to settle the Heywood side and both teams finished the quarter on 10 goals apiece.

Both sides made changes at the half time break and the young Heywood goaling duo of Tyleah Bar and Maddie Barr really hit their straps with 12 goals to the Saints seven.

The score at three quarter time saw Heywood with a three-goal lead heading into the final quarter.

The final term was a very defensive quarter with great rebounding from both teams and strong physical play all over the court. Heywood managed to get a few quick goals in succession and the Saints just could not peg the lead back, seeing Heywood finish with a 10-goal win.

Westerns shine against Cavendish

Westerns has recorded their second win of the season, defeating Cavendish 45-35 on Saturday.

It was a big performance from Westerns goal shooter Sienna Stone who slotted 35 goals and was an important target under the post, combining with both Brooke Morrissey and Kelsey England.

The Roos defensive unit also worked to limit scoring opportunities for Cavendish with their pressure forcing mistake through the middle of the court.

While Cavendish worked hard in the third quarter to bring the scores back in line, Westerns offered a consistent showing, building their lead at each break before pushing the game out in the final term.

Meres get the job done against Coleraine

Heathmere managed to stay composed in their match up to continually ward off an oncoming Coleraine side to win, 52-46.

The Meres led at every change but Coleraine never let the game get too far out of reach with their suffocating pressure causing hesitation for both sides.

With the two teams featuring strong shooting targets it was an enthralling match up between Amy Lewis in goal shooter for Coleraine and Tigrha Cleary in defence for Heathmere.

In the end, the Meres first three quarters allowed them to hold off a surging Coleraine in the final term to take the win.