The top-of-the-table clash ended in a tug of war with the East Freo Sharks winning the battle with a 62-60 victory over the West Coast Warriors at the Gold Netball Centre.
The Sharks had stellar showings from captain Jess Penny and Elena Damianopolous in defence who worked tirelessly to try and halt the sharp shooting of Donnell Wallam.
Wallam was a powerhouse in the goal circle for the Warriors scoring 45 goals from 49 attempts throughout the game. The 2019 Jill McIntosh medallist displayed her poise in the first half, not missing any of her 19 goals and led the Warriors into the main break with a tight one-goal lead (28-29).
Warriors suffered an injury blow to their line-up, with wing-defence Jessica Eales leaving the court late during the second quarter.
The second half looked as if it were anyone’s game and Warriors coach Lorraine Ward took this as an opportunity to mix up positions and try and contain the hungry sharks.
Despite going goal for goal, the Sharks were able to capitalise on their attack and with some clever lob passes to shooter Larissa Harrison, clenched the win.
Sharks coach Sue Gerrard said she was pleased with the team effort and to come away with the win.
Former Souwest Jet Jessica Repacholi continues to cement her position in attack at East Freo, with the coach praising Repacholi and Sharks Co-Captain Emma Cosh’s efforts in attack.
“Jessica has added that speed in attack and that combined with Emma Cosh, I think they will struggle with the speed that we have there now,” Gerrard said.
Ward said the Warriors will take lessons from the game to carry through the rest of the season.
“I thought some of our ball placement was off and once we lost Jess we kind of lost a bit of rhythm, but I am really pleased with what we did out there and all the changes we made as well,” she said.
West Coast Warriors face newcomers Peel Lightning next week at the Gold Netball Centre at 6:15pm.
East Freo Sharks will take on the Souwest Jets at 8:80pm.
