Netball
29 May, 2025
Laharum beats Rupanyup in thrilling win
Defending champions Laharum defeated second-placed Rupanyup 47-43 in a nailbiter on Saturday in round seven of the A Grade netball for Horsham District Football Netball League.
Little separated the two sides early on as Laharum won each of the first two quarters by just one point to lead 24-22 at halftime.
Rupanyup started the third quarter strongly, taking a 31-27 lead, before Laharum went on a 7-0 run to finish the third ahead by three, and kept the lead to close out the final quarter.
For Laharum, Melanie Russell and Maddison Iredell were the best players, while Holly Ross and Zanaiya Bergen were Rupanyup’s best.
Iredell scored 30 of Laharum’s goals, while Bergen converted 24 for Rupanyup.
Georgia Hiscock, Rupanyup’s coach, believes mistakes from both sides were pivotal in the second half.
“There wasn’t much between the teams in the game,” Hiscock said.
“We capitalised on some of their mistakes to build a four-goal lead by the third quarter, but they did the same to us in the final term.”
The result sees Laharum two wins clear atop the league ladder, while Rupanyup remains in second, losing their undefeated start to the year.
With plenty of time left in the season, Hiscock is viewing the game as a learning lesson.
“We felt the game was played at a relatively slow pace, and one key learning we’ve taken from it is the need to lift the tempo when required,” Hiscock said.
“As a friend of mine always said, ‘Finals aren’t won in May.’”
The Rupanyup coach credited goalshooter Bergen for another strong game amidst her impressive start to the season.
“She’s (Zanaiya) been dominant under the ring again this year and continues to improve each week,” Hiscock said.
“She’s playing with confidence, and we’re proud of her development.”
In other results, Noradjuha Quantong overcame Kalkee in a 37-35 thriller, Taylors Lake beat Natimuk United 45-37, Harrow Balmoral narrowly defeated Kaniva Leeor 42-38, while Swifts beat Pimpinio 47-37 to move up to second on the ladder.
– MACKENZIE BOOK