Hopper girls successful day on court

Coming into this final, the girls really stepped up their training to better perform as a team.

They focussed on fitness, finesse of the ball and decision making - all paying off in the game.

Having played Waaia in round 4 previously, it was always going to be a hard one to judge on who would take out the win, as teams develop over the season.

The Rennie girls started off the first quarter with strong defensive pressure over every ball, allowing for quick turnovers.

Jemma Adkins and Abbey Coghill were stars in the defensive circle, with an incredible 3 feet defence and rebounding every opportunity.

Following through to the mid court where speed, spatial awareness and want for the ball was the winning element by Grace Stephens, Georgia Phillips and Mia Doherty, as well as feeding into the goal ring with patience and knowledge of goalers by Sophia Shaw and Scarlett York.

The goalers worked tirelessly all game, with a little physicality towards the end, which didn't stop them.

Ella Rhodes also showed off her signature 'postie' which was made possible by teammate Sophie O'Dwyer who adjusted to the game perfectly and proved why she belongs on the court.

With a week break coming up due to the win, the girls will continue to work and train hard.

They only have bigger competition coming their way, but they aren't a team to shy away from a fight. Bring it on, and well done!!

Awards: Red Back Waste- Jemma Adkins and One Zach- Sophia Shaw.

Under 15s vs Deniliquin Rovers

Rennie 39 defeated Deniliquin Rovers 15.

For a lot of the girls this week was their first time ever playing in a finals match and the nerves were high. After having 2 weeks off the girls have been eager to get back onto the court and show everyone what they are capable of.

The wet conditions added to their nerves but they have trained for a wet weather game recently and it didn't hold them back.

The girls strong defence was great to watch with pressure over every ball which resulted in many turnovers. Laynee Rhodes took control of the court in C being a huge support for both the defenders and attackers.

Heleena Shaw and Lucy Bassett dominated in defence proving they are an unstoppable duo. Every rebound was picked off by one of these two and with the backup of Iris Elliott and Darla Lawless it made it hard work for Deni to get their goals.

The attacking end had strong drives and were a great encouragement to the shooters Mia Elliot, Sophie Coghill and Alani Peterson.

Mia showed off her holding skills this week paired with the support from Sophie and Alani; all girls proved why they are shooters and never missed an opportunity to put the goals up. Violet Elliott was a great voice of the court and was always there for the girls if they needed to reset.

The girls have another week off however they will continue to train hard and most importantly have fun.

The competition is only going to get bigger and better from here and the scribe cannot wait to see what these girls bring over the next few weeks.

Awards: Wingates Sports - Abbey Belot and Mulwala Bakery - Steph Robinson.

Under 13s vs Tungamah

Rennie 26 defeated Tungamah 21.

What an amazing and exciting game the girls played. For the Hoppers 13’s it was their first ever final so the nerves seemed to play the first half of the game.

The team knew it was going to be one of those games they had to really focus and put everything they work on Thursdays into play.

The shooters taking their time and breathing, the mid court again focusing on spreading out and driving strong to the ball, and the defenders focusing on the “want for the ball” and giving it their all for the rebounds or intercepts.

Every single player played amazingly and put so much effort in, they should all be proud. The girls have also now learnt that a positive mindset will win them the game. A great start to finals, keep up the good work girls!