Townsville’s in-form Premier League netballers revealed in round 15 Team of the Week

Te Whanau held off a determined Neptunes outfit in a thrilling top-four battle as Townsville’s Premier League rolled into round 15. Catch up on the action from every game and see who made our Team of the Week.

Te Whanau held off a determined Neptunes outfit to claim a hardfought 46-42 victory on Monday night, keeping their finals hopes alive with three rounds to go.

Te Whanau now sit one win behind fourth-placed Neptunes, who are narrowly ahead of the Burdekin Silverlinks on goal differential.

Inspired by the tremendous defence of Jenaya Noack and the elite work by GA Sophie Watson in the goal third, Te Whanau threatened to run away with the game throughout the contest, but Neptunes always found their way back into the arm-wrestle.

WA Megan Tomarchio added great speed to Neptunes’ attack and GS Rebecca Symons scored 28/40 goals.

Megan Tomarchio playing for Neptunes in the Carmichael Ford Premier League netball game. Townsville City Netball Association 2023.

Te Whanau shooter Addison Whalley was clutch down the stretch, draining 8/9 goals in the final quarter to help her team claim the win.

RUNAWAYS v PHOENIX

Runaways consolidated their position in the Premier League’s top three with a comprehensive 64-25 victory over Phoenix.

After letting up some early goals, Runaways went on a 6-1 run to take command of the game during the first quarter and never looked back.

Bianca Theodore was on point in the circle with some great mid-range shots, finishing the game with 18/29, while GS Jorja James scored a game-high 37/42 goals in just three quarters of action.

North Queensland United GS Jorja James claims a pass. Picture: George Ling.

Phoenix had some bright moments, with midcourter Chloe Kendall leading the way and Phoebe Lea making some nice passes in the goal third, but ultimately they couldn’t match the intensity of one of the competition’s in-form teams.

BURDEKIN v SAINTS

Saints were too good for the Burdekin Silverlinks, scoring with ease in a 64-45 triumph.

Burdekin played frantically in the first quarter, rushing some passes, and Saints ate up the loose ball and converted their turnovers, taking a double-digit lead into the first break.

The Silverlinks were much better from that point but the damage had been done.

Silverlinks shooter Mackenzie Linton scored 38/44 in a losing side, while Makenzie Wakelin scored 32/39 in three quarters in the circle.

Makenzie Wakelin playing in Townsville's Premier League netball in 2024. Picture: Townsville City Netball Association Inc.

Highlanders was forced to forfeit its meeting with the First Nations Academy of Excellence Roos, citing a number of injuries and player unavailability.

TOWNSVILLE BULLETIN TEAM OF THE WEEK

GS: Jorja James (Runaways) – Another outstanding showing in the circle from the reliable Runnies shooter. Knocked down a cool 37/42 in only three quarters in the circle.

GA:Sophie Watson (Te Whanau) – Watson was outstanding in attack, switching between GA and GS and contributing 17/24 goals while interplaying well with young gun Addison Whalley.

WA: Jess Freeman (Runaways) – Runniesrotated their line-up throughout the contest but Freeman was a conduit of activity whenever she was on the court. Raises all her teammates to another level with her rapid work on and off the ball.

Jess Freeman is presented her North Queensland United dress by Sharon Finnan-White. Picture: North Queensland United

C:Chloe Kendall (Phoenix) – Kendall switched between C, WA and WD on Monday, playing a key role in the midcourt. Phoenix may not be getting the results, but the team is playing patches of great netball and Kendall is typically involved.

WD: Chelsea O’Neill (Te Whanua) – An unsurprisingly reliable game from the strong midcourter, using her size effectively at WD, C and WA. O’Neill was calm and composed, picking the right moments to apply pressure and win a turnover.

GD: Georgia Bulley (Neptunes) – Bulley was a rock at the back, making things difficult for Te Whanau’s shooters with her great positioning. Kept her team in the game right until the final quarter.

GK: Jenaya Noack (Te Whanau) – Noack played every minute of the game at GK and didn’t miss a beat, throwing her arms in passing lanes and claiming rebounds all night. The strong defender was key to her side’s crucial victory.

SUBS:

Makenzie Wakelin (Saints)

Megan Tomarchio (Neptunes)

Anna Child (Saints)

Sarah Butterworth (Burdekin)

Alyssa Golding (Runaways)

Originally published as Townsville’s in-form Premier League netballers revealed in round 15 Team of the Week