ONA Division 1 - Rd:3 Wrap

Young Hawks Shine in Club Derby as LIFE Survive Hornets Challenge

Round 3 of Orange Netball Association Division 1 delivered two high-quality contests featuring emerging young talent, intense defensive pressure and some exciting glimpses into the future of the competition.

Feature Game: Hawk on Hawk

A testament to the growth and strength of Hawks Netball Club is the fact they now field two Division 1 sides.

Established in 2012, Hawks has rapidly built a reputation for developing young netballers, with the club now boasting 18 junior teams and 11 senior teams in 2026. That commitment to player pathways was on full display in Round 3 as Hawks DVM Embroidery and Hawks Royal Hotel faced off in an all-Hawks Division 1 clash.

Hawks DVM Embroidery featured a blend of experience and youth, with players such as Chyra Zecchinati and Emily Evans alongside emerging talents Nevaeh Lee and Neve Powyer, both involved in representative pathways. Hawks Royal Hotel, meanwhile, fielded a line-up heavily built around youth and representative talent.

While played in terrific spirit, there was no shortage of intensity as friendships and representative combinations were put aside for four competitive quarters.

Royals settled first, taking a 12-6 lead into quarter time with their shooting accuracy proving an early difference. The second quarter saw Royals elevate further, extending the margin to 27-10 at halftime through slick ball movement and excellent circle-edge connection from midcourters Macy Prevett and Clancy Simmons.

DVM responded strongly after halftime. The injection of Charis Charis at centre sparked strong attacking drive, while Nevaeh Lee impressed with her shooting consistency and rebounding strength. The composure of Hayley Baird also helped shift momentum as DVM applied greater pressure to Royals, forcing some loose and less disciplined passages of play. Despite the improved contest, Royals narrowly claimed the quarter to lead 39-21 at the final change.

The final quarter belonged decisively to Royals, who produced a polished all-court performance to close out a convincing 57-26 victory. Their defensive pressure intensified across the court while their composed shooting end again converted strongly.

The match highlighted the exciting depth of young talent emerging through the Hawks pathway system.

Young Hornets Challenge In-form LIFE Studio

The final game of the round saw OHS Hornets push LIFE Studio all the way in another encouraging performance from the developing student side.

For the second consecutive week, LIFE found themselves challenged by a fearless young opposition team determined to match them physically and defensively.

The opening quarter was intense and scrappy at times, with both teams producing strong defensive efforts. Abi Roberts generated several important intercepts for Hornets, while Meakah Chippendale was influential with her trademark energy in both defence and transition attack. LIFE edged the opening term 12-11 in a quarter dominated by defensive pressure.

Hornets continued to compete strongly in the second quarter, moving the ball effectively into attack, although they struggled at times to establish front position in the shooting circle. LIFE shooters Mikayla Wishart and Lucy Wilson steadied their side with accurate finishing, but repeated Hornets surges kept the contest alive. Alice Stewart’s high-octane midcourt performance proved instrumental as Hornets fought back to level scores 25-all at halftime.

LIFE emerged from the main break with greater composure. The injection of Sara Rush added drive through the middle, helping LIFE establish a six-goal buffer as some rushed Hornets passes and strong defensive pressure forced the students high and wide in attack. By three-quarter time LIFE had established a 35-29 lead.

LIFE began the final quarter strongly before Hornets again rallied through determined efforts from Milla O’Reilly in the shooting circle, Lyla Callaway through the midcourt and Tess Hill in defence. The return of Abby Savaro also provided important stability for LIFE after her recent injury scare.

Ultimately LIFE’s stronger driving game through the middle channel and shooting composure allowed them to close out a hard-fought 49-40 victory.

The result continues LIFE’s consistent start to the season, but their biggest challenge awaits in Round 4 against reigning premiers Vipers.

Pam Ryan