Sport
27 May, 2025
Natte outplay Lexton to take 26-goal victory
Natte Bealiba have taken the latest chapter in their memorable history with Lexton, defeating their old Lexton League rivals by 26 goals.
The Swans entered the game unchanged from their win over Talbot, while the Tigers promoted Kristy Hadler to A grade for the first time this season, deputising for leading team scorer Anna Parry.
Keen to keep their undefeated start to 2025 going, the Swans took control of the contest from the opening centre pass, stringing together multiple runs to lead by seven at quarter time.
Fresh off scoring 72 against Talbot, Natte’s Emma Ryan again started strongly for the visitors, making 15 shots in the first 15 minutes while Shannae Mills went one for two.
Hadler didn’t display any nerves for her A grade debut, going a perfect five for five in the first quarter for the hosts while teammate Leesa Donhardt added four.
The second quarter was very typical of what we have come to expect when these two teams clash on the court, high-quality netball filled with moments of individual brilliance.
One of those individuals was the experienced Donhardt, who helped Lexton’s offensive kick into another gear with 11 goals in the second quarter, with Hadler adding two.
Despite Donhardt’s production, the Swans extended their advantage to nine, with Ryan scoring 14 from 18 attempts and Mills splitting her two attempts again.
The second half started as a more cagey affair, with both teams keen to slow down their opponent’s scoring production.
The Swans outplayed the Tigers in the third quarter, allowing seven goals to open the margin out to 15 goals with 15 minutes to play.
With Lexton goal keeper Sarah Griffin slowing down Ryan to nine goals for the term, Mills upped her scoring load in the third, netting four.
Similarly to her goal keeping counterpart, Bella Westbrook was starting to lock down Hadler, who scored one goal in the term.
Keen to generate an offensive spark, talented teenager Charlize Kennedy was subbed on for Hadler midway through the third and made an instant impact going a perfect three for three. Donhardt also chipped in with three goals.
After some heavy resistance, the Swans finally managed to break Griffin and Brodey McKay’s defensive shackles, exploding for 23 goals in the final quarter to seal the four points.
Ryan was at her dominant best in the fourth, netting 18 goals to finish with 56 for the afternoon as Mills scored five in the final term.
Kennedy showcased her full potential in her short cameo for Lexton, converting nine of 11 shots in the term and combining well with Donhardt, who scored all three of her attempts.