Friday night saw North versus South with Wanneroo playing Success in Open Division 1 of the Origin Energy Metro League. Both teams have a long list of talented players and respective wins on the board.
Success wasted no time turning their first centre pass into a goal. With encouragement coming from Head Coach Sharon Dawson, the defensive unit were also showing they were there to play, managing the game’s first turnover by way of a held ball.
Wanneroo's defence showed they were an equally strong force with a rampant display including several valuable intercepts from wing defence Kelsey-Paige Gurney making progress up the court difficult for Success.
Come the first break of the match, scores were locked up at 11 goals.
Photos by Steve McLeod, Swan Sports WAWith the frenetic pace and the amount of back and forth turnovers in the first quarter likened more to a game of table tennis behind us, one could be forgiven to think the game may slow allowing the players to catch their breath.
Success goal defence Tamail Hallett was eager to get started, bouncing on her toes and sizing up her opposition.
Wing defence Nikki Wihongi-Vaughan made great use of her outside arm for close intercepts to avoid contact calls. Wanneroo’s defence continued their determined play throughout the second. The hands over action of wing defence Samantha Rowe led to the first turnover for the quarter.
In the defensive circle both keeper Jessica Properjohn and goal defender Joely Carroll both had strong holds that limited the Success shooters options. In the mid court, there were constant double hands over action to limit options further.
Gaining a small lead, Wanneroo went into the main break 25 goals playing 22.
Photos by Steve McLeod, Swan Sports WAA strength of the Success’ team is the constant communication, guidance and support not only from the bench, but amongst the players themselves. Goal attack Caitlin Governor has a great ability to indicate to her feeders where the ball needs to go before getting it into the circle.
The third quarter brought a notable combination with triplets Roberta at goal shoot, Jacinta (wing attack) and Lauren (centre). The Ramirez-Smith sisters combined as an effective attacking unit, each knew where the other would be at all times, with preliminary passes paying off. This was Roberta’s first quarter on and within the first 5 minutes of the game Wanneroo had increased the gap between the scores, securing themselves the lead.
At the end of the third, Wanneroo 36, Success 27.
Photos by Steve McLeod, Swan Sports WAClaiming the first centre pass, Wanneroo kept their lead in this final quarter. Only making one change to their line up, they were clearly happy with how the game was playing out. Roberta Ramirez-Smith shot a high accuracy, with goal after goal she continued to keep her team in front.
Success goal defender Tamail Hallett starred in the final quarter, claiming four intercepts however this wasn't enough to thwart the momentum which was generated by Wanneroo, eventually taking out the game by twenty goals.
Final score, Wanneroo 54, Success 34.
Success Coach Sharon Dawson reflected on the positives from the game, whilst indicating that the transition from defence to attack was something to focus on.
“Definitely our first half was maintained intensity, we stayed with them and our shooting accuracy was high,” said Dawson.
Overall this was an incredible game from both teams, they showed versatility, speed and great defence.
Photos by Steve McLeod, Swan Sports WATonight, sees Wanneroo playing Perth and Success against Peel.
Other results from Round Four;
Opens Div 1
Wanneroo 54 defeat Success 34
Kalamunda 68 defeat RDNA Breakers 32
Fremantle 67 defeat Perth 43
Peel 53 defeat Swan Districts 34
Opens Div 2
Noranda 55 defeat Belmont 39
Kalamunda 66 defeat Joondalup 57
Mandurah 61 defeat Southern Districts 44
U18 Div 1
RDNA Breakers 53 defeat Perth 24
Noranda 64 defeat Joondalup 21
Fremantle 43 defeat Kalamunda 38
Wanneroo 41 defeat Peel 29
U18 Div 2
Mandurah 34 tie Southern Districts 34
Success 58 defeat Swan Districts 34
Swan Sports is run by passionate volunteer contributors. If you love netball and have an interest in sports writing or photography, we would love to hear from you. We are currently seeking enthusiastic people to join our team to cover upcoming Metro and WANL fixtures. No experience needed - support, advice and guidance will be given.
Email swansportswa@gmail.com to register your interest.
