Island displays grit in Inverloch clash

A Grade

Scores: Phillip Island 32 def by Inverloch Kongwak 69.

B Grade

Phillip Island started out strong scoring the first three goals, but Inverloch fought back, making it a goal-for-goal contest leading to an evenly scored end to the first quarter.

The Island's defenders, Soph and Anthea worked tirelessly, picking off rebounds and keeping the Island in the game.

The second quarter was just as intense with both teams capitalising on centre passes.

Maddy, Jess and Isla showcased their speed down the midcourt, helping the Island take a narrow one-point lead at half time.

Inverloch made strategic changes in the third quarter, gaining a slight advantage on the scoreboard.

However, young shooters Aisha and Meika remained calm and continued to score impressively.

A shuffle of players brought fresh legs to the court with Emma and Steph working hard, leading to a strong fourth quarter.

Despite the girl's efforts, Inverloch went on to claim victory by five points.

Best on court: Meika and Aisha.

Scores: Phillip Island 44 def by Inverloch Kongwak 49.

C Grade

Scores: Phillip Island 27 def by Inverloch Kongwak 56.

D Grade

Phillip Island's D Grade played a classy and determined match against a strong Inverloch side, minimising their scoring opportunities through strong defence and teamwork.

Sarah was outstanding in defence, while Piper O'Brien impressed in her second senior game, stepping up in the midcourt to link defence and attack effectively.

Sarah and Piper earnt well deserved awards for their contributions.

Scores: Phillip Island: 14 def by Inverloch Kongwak: 26.

U17s

It was a beautiful sunny morning, but it was always going to be a tough game for Inverloch and the Island, both vying to secure a spot in the top two on the ladder.

With the ball moving swiftly on the court, the girls consistently worked hard as a team and backed each other throughout the game.

Our persistent pressure and defensive play forced turnovers and kept the Island in the game.

The second quarter proved to be the Island's best, finding their feet and maintaining an even level of goals.

Despite this, the Island were down entering the second half.

The Island girls continued to battle valiantly but unfortunately couldn't come home with a win this time.

Best on court: Sophia and Jazzy.

Scores: Phillip Island 19 def by Inverloch Kongwak 33.

U15s

Inverloch certainly brought out their A game on Saturday both on and off the court.

The Island went in second on the ladder and the girls were keen to keep their spot in the top two.

The first quarter started quickly with the Island coming out strong - a 10-point lead to Phillip Island.

Throughout the second quarter Inverloch came back strong, winning the quarter by a single point.

The Island's strength in the midcourt (Piper O'Brien, Ellie Hennessey and Ava Johnson) during the first half and some strong shooting (Adelle Hecker, Mia Hughes and Aisha Hibbert) saw Phillip Island maintain their strong lead into half time with a nine-point lead.

Great defence and turnovers by goalkeeper Isla Humphries and goal defence Matilda Trew who kept control of the third quarter tight, leading the Island on their way to victory.

Wing defence Maisie VanDerWalt kept the midcourt nice and tight, providing great defence to their opponents in the fourth quarter, positioning the girls at the top of the ladder.

Best on court: Ellie Hennessey and Isla Humphries.

Scores: Phillip Island: 38 def Inverloch Kongwak: 18.

U13s

The Island U13 girls travelled to Inverloch on Saturday ready to enjoy a day of sunshine and competition.

Having faced Inverloch in close and competitive matches before, the team were eager to secure a convincing victory this time.

In the first quarter, the Island team showed great promise.

Macy, playing as goal attack and Eden, as goal shooter were strong and accurate in their execution.

Piper's quick and precise passes to centre Kate helped the team take a narrow lead of two goals by the end of the quarter.

As the game progressed, Inverloch struggled to keep up and by the third quarter, the 12-goal deficit seemed insurmountable.

With Abi's formidable defence as goal defender and Ivy's solid performance as wing defender, the team looked unstoppable ultimately securing a 12-point victory.

Best on court: Piper and Abi.

Scores: Phillip Island 25 def Inverloch Kongwak 13.

U11s

With the last away game for the season before finals, the girls delivered a fantastic performance in their match against Inverloch, with a 12-point victory on a beautiful sunny morning.

Milla stood out with her huge number of intercepts, while Marley impressed with solid defensive skills leading to the girls being awarded best on court this week.

The team's effort was a perfect birthday gift for Meisha, making the victory even sweeter.

Scores: Phillip Island 21 def Inverloch Kongwak 9.