Image Upload


File size must be less than 2Mb

You must have online publishing permission or full ownership of this image

File types (jpg, png, gif)






  • Hero image
    PASS: Jeparit-Rainbow’s Bridget McKenzie worked hard for her side against Laharum. The Demon’s won the match 59-34. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER
  • Hero image
    Laharum's Rylee Hateley jumps for the ball between Elly Schumann and Rylee Cocks, Laharum vs Jeparit-Rainbow.
  • Hero image
    Elly Schumann, JR, guards Rylee Hateley, Laharum vs Jeparit-Rainbow.
  • Hero image
    Elly Schumann, JR, Laharum vs Jeparit-Rainbow.
  • Hero image
    Rylee Cocks, JR, Laharum vs Jeparit-Rainbow.
  • Hero image
    Kiana Marshman, JR, passes the ball, Laharum vs Jeparit-Rainbow.
  • Hero image
    Kiana Marshman, JR, beats Ema Iredell to the ball, Laharum vs Jeparit-Rainbow.
  • Hero image
    Bridget McKenzie and Caitlin Story, Laharum vs Jeparit-Rainbow.
  • Hero image
    Kiana Marshmann, JR, Laharum vs Jeparit-Rainbow.
  • Hero image
    Maddie Iredell calls for the ball, Laharum vs Jeparit-Rainbow.
  • Hero image
    Maddie Iredell takes a shot as Ebony Spokes, Laharum vs Jeparit-Rainbow.

PHOTOS: Natimuk United and Laharum grand final showdown

By Colin MacGillivray

A long-awaited showdown between 2018 Horsham District netball grand finalists Natimuk United and Laharum will be at Natimuk Showground on Saturday.

The Ewes downed the Demons in a hard-fought five-goal win in last season’s premiership decider, and both teams have made it clear they will be satisfied with nothing less than another grand final appearance this season.

Both kept their undefeated starts to 2019 alive at the weekend, Natimuk United with a 56-31 win against Edenhope-Apsley and Laharum with a 59-34 victory against Jeparit-Rainbow.



Article continues below



The Ewes wasted little time establishing a double-digit lead against the Saints.

Defender Casey Vanstan blanketed Edenhope-Apsley’s Georgia Lowe, restricting her to just 10 goals for the match.

Tyler Atkinson had the unenviable task of shadowing Natimuk United goal attacks Candice Muszkieta but acquitted herself well.

Shannon Couch was on target for the Ewes with 36 goals from 47 attempts, while Ellie Thomas was the Saints’ top scorer with 21 goals.

Laharum looked equally imposing after a slow start against an undermanned Jeparit-Rainbow, outscoring the Storm 49-22 after quarter time. Demon Zandria Malone and the Storm’s Rylee Cocks were the best for their respective teams at centre.

Harrow-Balmoral also flexed its muscle by posting the highest score of the season in a 91-26 win against Pimpinio.

Brittany Keller and Amy Lewis were unstoppable in goals for the Roos, despite the persistent efforts of Pimpinio defenders Erin and Anna Habel.

Noradjuha-Quantong bounced back from back-to-back defeats to dispatch Rupanyup 62-43.

Like Jeparit-Rainbow, the Panthers were forced to play with only six on the court.

Despite excellent games from Hayley Reading at centre and Blair Burke with 28 goals at goal shooter the Bombers were too strong, Lucy Brand leading the way with 46 goals.

Kalkee moved up to fourth place on the ladder with a percentage-boosting 64-38 win against Taylors Lake.

Millie McRae was excellent at centre for three quarters before being rested for the Kees, while goalies Hayley Thomas and Jenna Bywaters each netted more than 30 goals.

Grace Dixon spent time on both Thomas and Bywaters and never stopped trying, while Jorrdan Weir hit 30 goals to keep the scoreboard ticking over for the Lakers.

Other matches this weekend will see Noradjuha-Quantong trying to keep its finals hopes alive against Edenhope-Apsley, Pimpinio hosting Rupanyup in a game that could go either way, Taylors Lake welcoming Harrow-Balmoral to Dock Lake Reserve and Swifts returning from a bye to play Jeparit-Rainbow on the road.

The entire June 26, 2019 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!

The entire June 29, 2019 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!