Netball Match Report: Eagles upset the Roos in Premier

By Penelope Knight.

Date: Friday May 30th 2025 

Venue: Knox Regional Netball Centre  

Vermont Eagles V East Ringwood Premier Division

In a thrilling encounter at the Knox Regional Netball Centre, the Vermont Eagles faced off against East Ringwood in a match that delivered an action packed performance and showcased everything that makes Netball an exciting spectacle. 

The first quarter was a tight affair, with both sides taking the court with intensity and a hunger to win, which saw the exchanging of goals in a see-saw battle. Vermont's defensive setups allowed their VNL player, Abbey Whitaker, to shine in goal keeper, making crucial intercepts and displaying remarkable athleticism. Although East Ringwood ended the quarter ahead with a narrow 13-12 lead, the game took a concerning turn when their goal keeper, Becky Hine, suffered an accidental blow to the head. We wish her a speedy recovery as her absence was felt by the team.

As the second quarter unfolded, moments of brilliance emerged from both teams. East Ringwood’s goal shooter, Rory Barr, efficiently utilized the goal post to score during throw-ins, while Vermont’s Cassandra McCallum showcased her shooting range. Vermont capitalized on turnovers, aided by their center pass defensive setups, allowing them to take the lead. East Ringwood struggled with Vermont's full-court press, which proved effective in stifling their attack. By halftime, Vermont had extended their lead to 29-24, securing a solid advantage.

The third quarter saw a rejuvenated East Ringwood storm out of the blocks, raising the intensity and implementing a tight one-on-one defense that forced turnovers. The center court combination of Pyper Ross and Grace Macdonald played a pivotal role, feeding accurate and rapid passes into the goal circle which opened up Vermonts use of a split ring defense. This allowed East Ringwood to close the gap to just two goals, injecting further excitement into the match.

In the final quarter, Vermont regained the match on their terms by maintaining possession of the ball and dictated the pace of the game. Both teams continued to battle fiercely with no signs of fatigue, but Vermont’s ability to convert turnovers into goals proved to be the decisive factor. With remarkable goaling accuracy, Vermont extended their lead and ultimately claimed victory with a score of 56-48. Cassandra McCallum delivered a standout performance, scoring an impressive 39 out of 40 attempts, significantly contributing to her team's success.

This result marks a significant upset as East Ringwood sat second on the ladder while Vermont occupied the sixth position. The match not only demonstrated the high level of skill and competitiveness of both teams but has also set an exciting precedent for the remainder of the season.