Thrilling return to the courts

Her partner in crime Tianni Given was just as effective in the ring, keeping the shooters at bay.

The Jerilderie midcourt combination of Siobhan Flanagan, Zara Williams, Miley Conn, and Ruby Neessen were unstoppable when they went forward for the ball, getting out for every pass as well as working hard in defence when needed.

For Blighty, the scoreboard certainly didn’t reflect the effort and determination shown by this team. Not once did the girls give up, fighting hard right until the final whistle.

A huge welcome to Ava McInnes, who played her first game for the club and was outstanding in her attacking roles, fitting in seamlessly and making an immediate impact.

There was tireless work in the goal ring, creating strong attacking opportunities throughout the game. Stevie Bateman was on fire with her movement and shooting accuracy.

Eliza Bradford was home for the weekend and stepped up into the WA and C positions and played a fantastic game, combining strongly with Meagan Lowry, whose leadership and work rate never stopped all day.

The defence crew put in a huge effort, picking off countless balls and applying relentless pressure. The defenders battled hard all game and were simply beaten by height in the ring.

A special mention to Chelsea Weir, who ran and ran and ran all game, contesting every ball and leaving absolutely nothing out on the court.

B-grade: Jerilderie 50 def Blighty 48.

Jerilderie kicked off their 2026 campaign in thrilling fashion, holding on for a hard-fought 50 to 48 victory over Blighty in a tightly contested clash.

Defensive standouts Siarne Deeves and Bec Johnson led the charge in the circle, delivering a flawless performance with numerous touches and timely intercepts to halt Blighty’s momentum.

At the opposite end, Meagan Mauger and Tanya Rorato proved a formidable combination, applying constant pressure and converting opportunities while making it difficult for Blighty to regain possession.

The match remained evenly poised early, with scores locked at both quarter time and half time.

However, Jerilderie surged ahead in the third term, creating a crucial buffer.

Blighty responded with intensity in the final quarter, but Jerilderie’s midcourt held firm under pressure to secure the narrow two-goal win.

It was a new group of eager players for Blighty who took to the court against Jerilderie, showing great enthusiasm and determination throughout the match.

Georgia Moody played her very first game of netball and gave it her all, which was fantastic to see.

Alex Barry showed great versatility, taking on roles at both ends of the court, while Tess Lloyd impressed with her work through the centre.

In the attacking end, Sammy Watson, Nicole Felmingham and Megan Gull combined well, building their connection while adapting to different positions.

Emily Harvey stepped up from the under-17s and did exactly what was asked of her, working strongly alongside Dakini Hall through the mid-court.

In the final quarter, sisters Jessie and Milly Hamner took the court in defence.

C-grade: Jerilderie 54 def Blighty 22.

Jerilderie kicked off the season in great style with a strong win over Blighty.

It was a fantastic team effort from start to finish, with all players contributing to an impressive first game.

The defence was outstanding, led by Sophie Roe, whose pressure and consistency made a huge impact.

She was well supported by Shikaya Hall, playing just as hard with a lot of determination across the court.

It was a brilliant way to open the season for Jerilderie, with great teamwork, energy, and commitment shown by everyone.

The Blighty team’s first game of the season got off to a strong start in a tight opening quarter.

Blighty matched Jerilderie well across the court with some strong game plays.

However, in the second quarter, Jerilderie brought on fresh legs, which shifted the momentum in their favour and allowed them to pull away.

Despite the setback, there were plenty of positives to take from the game.

C-Reserve: Jerilderie 22 def Blighty 19.

It was a tight tussle the whole game, keeping shooters on their toes.

Jerilderie’s defensive end showcased some very tall players, who managed to pull in rebounds and place relentless pressure with fantastic movement.

The midcourt worked well, and even when an unfortunate injury in the final term saw players in new positions, they managed to keep composure and work as a team.

Congratulations to club debutantes, Del McMillan and Lauren Hall, who took home awards, as well as Sarah Gurciullo who was back on court after a few years break and earned herself an award.

There were lots of turnovers caused by Blighty, with Sarah Bain amazing in defence alongside Suzette Van der Berg.

Midcourt saw a return for Sarah Nihill and Jess Butcher, and Georgia Brydon, showing how much they have improved since last year.

Alena Lamour also returned this season and showed her versatility on the court.

Under-17s: Jerilderie 48 def Blighty 21.

The Jerilderie girls stayed strong and consistent the entire game, which showed in the final score.

The aim was to be competitive, but also have fun.

With two girls out, Blighty added Lily Petersen and Milly Hamner to the group.

The girls tried hard all game, never giving up.

It was just difficult to match such a polished Demons side.

Kyah Watson was strong in the goal ring, looking confident and taking on direction solidly.

The defenders had a hectic day, with the ball coming down a lot.

Emily Harvey worked hard and got touches on the ball, along with teammate Izzy Pearn.

Under-15s: Jerilderie 13 def by Blighty 27.

While the scoreboard didn’t fall in Jerilderie’s favour, the girls displayed impressive teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship.

Facing a well-drilled Blighty line-up, Jerilderie held their ground, applying consistent pressure and showing great determination from the first whistle to the final siren.

Blighty showed great enthusiasm and teamwork from the first whistle, working cohesively across the court to control the flow of the game.

Lexie Hines shone in the midcourt, with Ellie Miller and Alexis Bucholtz executing strong leads and precise passing into Blighty’s goalers.

Ella Charlton and Savannah Bain then impressively combined with smart movement and accurate shooting.

Defenders Lily Petersen, Milla Bode and Shelby Huckin applied consistent pressure, creating turnovers and limiting Jerilderie’s scoring opportunities.

Under-13s: Jerilderie 23 def Blighty 17.

From the first quarter, Jerilderie’s defence was solid.

The midcourt showed strong passages of play, leading to well-earned goals, and shooters worked brilliantly in the circle, combining well and supporting each other.

Although down by two goals at half-time, the team lifted in the third quarter to take an eight-goal lead, eventually finishing with a five-goal win.

With plenty of positional changes, every player stepped up and contributed, showing great teamwork and determination across the court

Although Blighty went down to Jerilderie, the team should be so proud of their efforts.

Every single player gave 100 per cent on the court, showing determination and teamwork.

Oaklee Morison earned Blighty’s ‘Good Sport’ award for her positive attitude, and support of her teammates and opponents.

Pippa Holden was amazing in her WD role, applying strong defensive pressure all game, and Darci Thomson was spot on in the shooting circle, playing her role beautifully.

Under-11s (minis): Not scored.

The first hit-out for 2026 season saw the Jerilderie under-11 girls come out with a positive attitude, focused determination and amazing team work.

Every player adapted beautifully to whichever position they were given.

The Blighty minis were excited for their first game, and they all went out there and played with determination, skill and big smiles on their faces.

They were supportive of each other, helping their teammates or giving words of encouragement to one another.