Hay Lions football and netball teams roaring to the finals

Hay Lions seniors defeated Ultima on the weekend 101 to 52, securing their spot in the grand final, if there was ever any doubt. They will fight for back-to-back premierships on Show weekend, September 7.

Images: The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper/Kendall Jennings.

Netball Report

Hay Lions Netball teams have been battling it out well in the 2024 Semi Finals.

Lions defeated Ultima on the weekend 101 to 52, securing their spot in the grand final, if there was ever any doubt. They will fight for back-to-back premierships on Show weekend, September 7.

B Reserve by Leonnie Laracy - Hay 63 defeated Murrabit 55. In an amazing show of skill, athleticism and poise, Hay Lions B Reserve Team claimed a well-deserved win against top of the ladder Murrabit to progress straight into the grand final.

Hay had a fast and structured first term, applying immense pressure forcing multiple turnovers and capitalising on them, and at first break the score was Hay 19 Murrabit 9.

Hay was on fire, making good decisions that were paying off on the scoreboard.

Leslee Grahame in goal defence and Jessica Weymouth in goal keeper combined perfectly with Courtney McDonald in wing defence to apply pressure where needed, whilst Kylie Brettschneider in centre was the crucial link that enabled both ends to play at their full potential.

Trish Jamieson in goal attack and Lisa Lund in goal shooter were moving beautifully and were on target with their goals, but also pulling in any rebounds with vigour, whilst Talitha Brown and Emily Hill interchanging in WA were at their finest with precise passing and body positioning.

With the trusted support and backup of their teammates supporting from the bench, Hay BR deserved this great win of 63-55.

Hay will go into grand final day with a calm confidence in each other, and the hopes that they can play as well as they did today just one more time, to produce a grand final victory for the club.

Under 17s by Jade Auldist - Ultima 46 defeated Hay 43 In a thrilling semi-final game between the top two teams, Hay faced off against Ultima on Saturday.

The game delivered a high-pressure, goal-for-goal contest that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats. Hay had moments of brilliance, with defence making crucial intercepts and rebounds, mid court executing beautiful plays down the court, and impressively accurate goals by our shooters.

However, Ultima capitalised on some hesitant passes from Hay, ultimately securing a narrow 46-43 win. Despite this loss, the team remain determined and focused.

They will use this experience as motivation and concentrate on improving their passing and driving to the ball during training sessions.

The team's next challenge awaits them on Saturday in the Preliminary finals at Ultima, where they will play Murrabit. Aware of Murrabit's formidable shooter that could come in to play, Hay is prepared to step up their game and leave everything on the court.

The team have proven their resilience and skill throughout the season, and this setback will only fuel their desire to come back stronger. Another intense game can be expected as Hay fights for a spot in the grand final.

Under 14s by Jade Auldist - Murrabit 52 defeated Hay 35 Hay Under 14s entered their game against Murrabit with determination and grit. Although Murrabit seized an early lead, scoring 16 goals to Hay's four in the first quarter, the young team refused to back down.

Recognising the need to adjust their strategy, Hay implemented high-pressure defensive tactics in the second quarter. This proved effective, limiting Murrabit to 12 goals while Hay scored an impressive 11. The third quarter saw both teams evenly matched, each scoring 12 goals.

Despite the final score not reflecting their efforts, the team displayed promising signs for their next game. Their ability to adapt and implement successful strategies in the second and third quarters demonstrates their potential to win the grand final.

Hay’s defence was particularly impressive, making countless intercepts and driving the ball down the court with purpose.

The midcourt players also contributed with wonderful passes and seamless transitions, while the shooters movement and teamwork in the goal circle was excellent.

Although the early lead proved too much to overcome, the team are determined to use this experience as a learning opportunity.

First semi final - A Grade by Lani Houston - Hay 56 defeated Moulamein 44

Hay had an impressive must win over Moulamein to remain in contention for the grand final. Hay had a nervous start, down by one at the first quarter.

Hay reset and focused on tightening up a few errors to hit the lead at half time 28-25. Kellie Walker and Ellie Jamieson combined superbly in attack, shooting with accuracy.

Toni Rivet steadied play through the centre while Maddie Mannes and Olivia Joyce used some creative play to pick off intercepts in defence.

Sophie Stephens took some great two hand rebounds to create turnovers and Jade Auldist with her hands over pressure hit tips and intercepts that Hay then capitalised on.

A fantastic team effort by Hay who settled into the finals atmosphere which will be important for the next match up against Ultima at home. B Grade by Talitha Brown - Hay 51 defeated Wandella 35 B Grade took on a strong Wandella in a must win game on Sunday, taking home to win 51-35.

Sophie Tapper in goal shooter and Hannah McGufficke in goal attack are a force in attack, showing their shooter-to-shooter connection and being able to score goals at every chance.

The mid court consisting of Indi Hicks in wing attack, Courtney McDonald in centre and Emily Caughey in wing defence were all able to transition between applying pressure defensively to moving the ball down court in attack with ease.

Lani Houston and Teagan Te Maipi shared the goal defence position applying pressure with the circle and making turnovers. Captain Jasmine Gregory playing goal keeper showed her speed and skills reading the play coming up with intercepts when needed. Leslee Grahame was our super sub, playing any position needed.

B Grade take on Ultima next weekend in the preliminary final.

C Grade by Leonnie Laracy - Hay 53 defeated Ultima 33 It was do or die for C grade on Saturday and they chose to rise to the occasion and take a great win of 53 to 33 against Ultima.

Sammy McCormick in goal attack was a standout with accurate shooting and timely goal assists to Lisa Lund in goal shooter, who also was strong in body and mind against a physical goal keeper.

Hay’s mid courts of Chloe Deacon, Melissa Ovens, Daisy Barnes, Callie Molkentin and Sienna Lund all connected beautifully on rotation.

Whilst Sophie Nuske and Di Plum were the anchors of the team, keeping Ultima’s shooters at bay with multiple intercepts, tight defence and claiming rebounds for Hay to capitalise on.

Hay C Grade have saved their best netball for the finals series and will now play Murrabit in the Preliminary Final.

Jim Houston, the flying ruckman jumping for the ball, with Jacob Watson in support. Image: The Koondrook Barham Bridge/Kendall Jennings.