Last Friday night saw top of the ladder teams for Open Division 1, Fremantle and Kalamunda, go head to head in the Origin Energy Metro League competition.
With both teams coming into the match undefeated, spectators were expecting a close, hard fought game.
Although both teams were missing key players, there was still an abundance of talent and a large diversity of skill. One of the key match ups was between Fremantle's reliable Goal Shoot Sigrid De Vries and Kalamunda's Goal Keeper and Vice Captain Stacey Mourish.
With strong hands delivering quick and accurate ball under the post, Goal Defence Samantha Campbell also began tagging De Vries in an effort to counter the height difference. The battle between the three continued throughout the match and at times became rough with bumps, hits and elbows being traded.
The impressive synergy in Kalamunda's attack which has been evident in previous games continued with the players connecting well. The combination of Cheney Armstrong at Goal Shoot, Moana Hislop at Goal Attack and Captain Donalda Paekau in at Centre provided a glimpse of what might be to come as they may be teaming up in the West Coast Thunder Mixed Open team later this year.
A noticeable shift occurred toward the end of the quarter in favour of Fremantle with various errors causing turn-overs, and a caution given to Campbell as the battle in Fremantle's circle became even more physical.
Kalamunda, missing a shot right before the whistle meant the scores finished 18 goals to 11 in favour of Fremantle.
Leading into the second quarter there was just one change with Kate Pickerill coming into Centre for Fremantle.
It wasn't long before Fremantle increased their lead and provided themselves with a comfortable buffer.
With less pressure, Fremantle took control and continued increasing the goal differential.
Wing Attack Bianca Fish was constantly able to find space and was delivering precise and composed balls to the attacking end.
Meanwhile a change towards the latter half saw the Wing Defence position swap for Kalamunda with Monique Law and the attacking combinations rising to the intensity required for the game. Kalamunda did prevent the score from completely blowing-out, finishing 13 goals behind at half-time.
Scores 39 to 26 heading into the main break.
Photos by Steve McLeod, Swan Sports WAWith limited substitutions available and the score line starting to creep away, Head Coach for Kalamunda Jo Cunningham had Nikki McCallum move to Goal Attack, bringing with her a relaxed, yet composed game style. Campbell formally made the switch from Goal Defence to Keeper.
For Fremantle, Ellen Townsend replaced Jayde Nodari at Goal Keeper.
Kalamunda Captain Donalda Paekau at Wing Attack was outstanding with relentless effort and stamina aiding her side which performed more dangerous than before, however the yellow and black still found reducing the scoreboard deficit difficult.
Closing out the third with a three-goal gain Kalamunda were holding strong against Fremantle who continued to perform across the court.
Fremantle finished with 54 goals to 44 ahead of the final quarter.
An almost unchanged line-up for Fremantle into the fourth quarter yielded momentum to their goal circle, and Goal Attack Jennifer Donovan was delivering her mid-range shots with confidence. At the other end Goal Keeper Ellen Townsend was performing well with defensive partner Nicola Vester to contain Kalamunda’s shooting duo.
Campbell found her A-game in the defensive circle and managed to obtain three much needed intercepts midway through the last. However, two of these were unable to be converted for Kalamunda due to some countered intercepts.
Another win for Fremantle but this time a closer game against a talented Kalamunda outfit.
The high-scoring game resulted in an 11-goal margin to Fremantle, 71 to 60.
Results from round five;
Opens Div 1
Fremantle 71 defeat Kalamunda 60
Perth 55 defeat Wanneroo 30
RDNA Breakers 56 defeat Swan Districts 38
Peel 45 defeat Success 36
Opens Div 2
Joondalup 46 defeat Belmont 45
Southern Districts 72 defeat 40
Noranda 48 defeat Mandurah 35
U18 Div 1
Peel 41 defeat Joondalup 33
Noranda 41 defeat Kalamunda 39
RDNA Breakers 39 defeat Wanneroo 37
Fremantle 48 defeat Perth 40
U18 Div 2
Success 50 defeat Southern Districts 45
Geraldton 54 defeat Mandurah 31
Geraldton 45 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.
