Sport
20 May, 2025
Top four spot for Navarre in Harcourt foray
A marvelous defensive performance against the in-form Harcourt has steered Navarre into the top four of the MCDFNL.
The Grasshoppers’ 26-goal victory away from home is their fourth win of the season, already equalling their 2024 win total after six rounds.
After a nervy start from both sides, Navarre’s midcourt, anchored by Sidney Dyer, started to outrun its Harcourt counterparts, giving the ball to their in-form shooters.
After an impressive showing against Campbells Creek last week, Brianna Hyslop started as goal shooter for Navarre, and that decision proved wise, with Hyslop netting five goals while Frank anchored the Grasshoppers’ scoring load with 10 goals to give the visitors a 15-4 quarter time lead.
Gemma Papadimos top scored for the Lions with two goals in the term, while Lauren Peeler scored one.
With Sophie Flood and Amber Perry subbed out for Navarre, Tamara Farr and Stacey Mitchell started to slow down the Grass-hoppers’ advances, but momentum was solely on Navarre’s side as they furthered their advantage to 16 goals at half time.
Erin Jackson was subbed into the goal circle for Navarre and was immediately firing on all cylinders, scoring six of seven shots while Frank made four.
It was Peeler’s turn to lead the line for Harcourt in the second, netting four goals while Papadimos contributed a goal.
Determined not to let Harcourt back into the contest in the second half, Navarre returned to their offensive output from the first quarter while restricting Harcourt to four goals, entering the final quarter with a 40-13 advantage.
Frank, Jackson and Hyslop spent time in the goal circle in the third term, with Frank netting seven, Jackson scoring six and Hyslop making two.
Peeler continued to fight hard with three goals for the term while Papadimos was held to one goal.
Harcourt started to find their groove in the fourth quarter, outscoring Navarre 11-10, but it was too late, as Navarre officially sealed a third consecutive victory.
Some position chances did the trick for the Lions, while Peeler found some fine form in the latter stages, sinking 10 goals from 12 attempts. Papadimos finished the game with another goal in the final term.
Hyslop converted all six of her shots in the final quarter for Navarre, with Frank making four goals of her own.
