Downlands College chasing eighth straight Merici-Chevalier Cup win

Traditional rivals Downlands College and St Ursula’s College are ready for another Merci-Chevalier Cup showdown. Ahead of the massive match here’s our look at the star players to watch.

Downlands College players celebrate after defeating St Ursula's College in the 2022 Merici-Chevalier Cup. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Molly Gore will feel a little pressure when she pulls on the captain’s armband Friday night.

With her side chasing an eighth straight win, Gore doesn’t want to be the first Downlands skipper to lose a Merici-Chevalier Cup.

“I do feel a little bit of pressure,” Gore said.

“I think we have the team to bring it home again though.

“It’s a very exciting time for the team and the school and I think we have a really good side.”

Downlands will have the home-court advantage when they face St Ursula’s in the blockbuster schoolgirls netball match.

Gore is confident her side have the experience to adapt to the style of play needed to win.

“We play really well as a unit, which is really important,” Gore said.

“We can play fast if we need to but we can also slow it down if we have to.”

St Ursula’s preparations for the cup have been hampered by player unavailability and injury but their commitment is unquestionable.

“Our preparation hasn’t been ideal,” St Ursula’s netball co-ordinator Julian Cattonar said. “We’ve had a few players who have been unavailable due to other commitments and a few injuries.

“Having said that we’re motivated and determined to do well and I believe we will give a very good account of ­ourselves.

“We have a big challenge ahead of us, but we’ve had opportunities to win in the past and I have no doubt there will be more.

“The team is excited and looking forward to Friday night.”

Ahead of Friday night’s cup clash The Chronicle Sport Team have run the rule over the two school’s top teams.

Here’s our look at the Players to Watch.

Haylee McAuliffe will be a key player for St Ursula’s against Downlands. Picture: Kevin Farmer

St Ursula’s

Haylee McAuliffe (goal attack/goal shooter): The Darling Downs Panthers shooter and team co-captain is an experienced star whose timing and positioning ensures she gets the ball within shooting range.

Emily Dolley (centre/wing defence): The skipper has a strong and positive influence on the team. Dolley is extremely reliable on and off the court and carries good form into the game after being named as the team’s MVP at QISSN.

Jorja Britton (goal keeper/goal defence): The youngest member of the team is wholly committed to her sid and has an ability in defence that far exceeds her age.

Amelia Doherty (goal defence/wing defence): Doherty puts her speed and explosive power to good use making intercepts and disrupting opposition play.

Haylee Doherty (wing attack/centre): A great communicator who can read the game and direct her teammates.

Charlotte Doljanin (goal keeper/goal defence): A reliable defender with a great reach and powerful jump to disrupt shooters confidence.

Ashley Fyffe (centre/wing attack): Able to find the open space and be available for a quick transition down the court.

Amelia Land (goal shooter/goal attack): Tough in the shooting circle and not afraid to take a knock or two from her defenders.

Isabelle Nicholson (goal attack/wing attack): A dynamic player whose court awareness and agility guarantees she is part of the action.

Aaliyah Selby (wing defence/wing attack): Constantly competes for the ball and applies pressure to disrupt her opponents.

Molly Gore (left) of Downlands College competes for the ball with St Ursula’s Bridget Haynes in last year’s Merici-Chevalier Cup. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Downlands

Molly Gore (wing defence/goal defence): The Darling Downs Panthers star and team captain brings a lot of experience to the team. Gore is a highly skilled defender with great awareness.

Mackenzie Hartog (wing attack): A dynamic wing attack that feeds her shooters with precision.

Lara Fitzgerald (goal attack): An energetic and vibrant presence in the team with great shooting skills.

Emily Stapleton (goal keeper): Another of the team’s Darling Panthers contingent, Stapleton is a great rebounder and co-captain.

Emily Bidgood (wing defence/centre): A hard working utility player with great speed and agility.

Anne Fitzgerald (goal attack/goal shooter): Despite her young age, Fitzgerald is a big asset to the team and combines well with her fellow attackers.

Tanahya Esler (centre/wing attack): An explosive player who puts passing and defensive skills to great use across the full court.

Carrie Coetzee (goal defence/wing defence): A hard working defender who clears the ball well and has a great work ethic.

Kaylin Van Gruenen (goal shooter): The Australian under-19 shooter is accurate from anywhere in the circle and very mobile.

Ella Maxwell (wing attack/wing defence): A hard working utility player who defends well.