14-&-Under “B” 
Donald girls started strong, putting into play the skills they had been working on at training and holding their own against a small but determined Calder side. Calder gained a slight upper hand, leading the game by three goals going into the final quarter. Further changes and a strong team effort brought the margin back to just one goal in a very exciting finish.
Final score: Donald 7 def. by Calder United 8.
Donald awards: Aria Brennan (Spuds Cafe), Indi Goldsmith (Donald family butcher).
14-&-Under “A” 
Donald had a great contest against Calder in the 14“A” match on Saturday, with both teams vying to secure their spots in third and fourth place. It was quality netball from start to finish. Well done to Donald for holding strongly under pressure, showing great passages of play and solid defence. Turnovers were traded multiple times, with both teams fighting hard to win the ball back. Donald held the lead from the opening whistle and maintained it right through to the end. A big thank you to the umpires for the fantastic job they do each week, and to Calder for always bringing a great contest and such enthusiastic support.
Final score: Donald 22 d. Calder United 16. Donald awards: Layla Griffiths (The Clothes Bin), Layla Hepworth (Love Shack Giftware).
17-&-Under “A” 
The Donald girls took on a strong Calder United side whose players included some of the club’s top senior netballers. The team embraced the challenge, using the match to experiment with new positions and combinations. There were some great passages of play, with solid ball movement and good defensive pressure. The girls showed grit and determination right to the final whistle, and while the scoreboard didn’t reflect their effort, their teamwork and willingness to learn were clear to see. Each week they continue to grow as a team, and this game was another valuable step forward in their development.
Final score: Donald 4 def. by Calder United 112.
Donald awards: Kailie Krause (Gilchrist & Co), Halle Rice (Harvest Cafe).
“C” Grade
Donald’s tough run home continued on the weekend, coming up against ladder leader Calder United. The impressive Calder side applied relentless pressure from the first whistle, causing Donald to make unforced errors and turnovers. As the game progressed, Donald began to settle, playing smarter netball by controlling the tempo when it had the ball and driving forward, rather than rushing under Calder’s pressing defence. The final quarter was a highlight, with Donald players channelling their frustration into a determined contest for every ball. 
Final score: Donald 20 def. by Calder United 83. 
Donald awards: Molly Harrison (Jasper and Co) and Makere Dillon (Mensland).
“B” Grade
Calder United took the lead early in the first quarter. Donald fiercely defended. The Donald attacking end was strong with Megan Tonkin Emma Downes and Zara Staples doing their best to get the ball into the goal ring. 
Donald picked up the pace a little in the second quarter. Courtney Doak, Kim Griffiths and Jess Nunn worked hard to try to stop the strong Calder United team from scoring. But the Lions were too strong and put a bigger gap in the score.
Going out hard in the third quarter Donald managed to seal the first goal. Zara and Claire Adams worked well in the ring together and managed to gain a few more goals. Jess had a few really good intercepts, despite Calder United’s effective performance which saw it take a bigger lead. Donald defenders kept a tight defence and stayed strong all the way to the final siren. 
Final score: Donald 16 def. by Calder United 48.
Donald awards: Emma Downes (Gilchrist & Co), Jess Nunn (Bev’s Baubles).    
“A” Grade
Donald took to the court with great defensive pressure from the outset, creating plenty of movement up and down the court. Ally and Anna combined well with lots of possessions. Calder United began to find its rhythm late in the first quarter, gaining the upper hand.
The Lions capitalised on loose balls and kept the scoreboard ticking over. Donald fought hard in a tough and physical contest, not letting Calder do it easily. Abby Griffiths continued driving hard down the court and maintained pressure on her opponent throughout the entirety of the game.
Milla and Zoe continued their efforts to break through Calder’s tough defence and produced some beautiful goals, but Calder’s fight was well and truly in motion.
The final quarter maintained the fast pace, with Donald producing some great passages of play despite the differing scoreline. It was great to see Lainey Mortlock back in the Royal Blue, and she slotted in seamlessly to each position!
Final score: Donald 27 def. by Calder 51.
Donald awards: Lainey Mortlock (IGA), Milla Adams (Donald Hotel).