Match of the week: Warriors march straight to Finals
A big upset for Western Roar on Friday night as they were taken down 59-52 by their rivals West Coast Warriors in the first round of the GIGWANL finals.
Quarter 1
A ferocious start from both teams at the starting whistle with the score line neck in neck for the majority of the first quarter.
Roar soon gained the momentum and turned the score to their favour, leading last year’s premiers by two goals.
However, Warriors were able to take advantage of Roar’s mistakes, converting turnovers into goals which allowed them to lead by one goal at the first break.
Quarter 2
Warriors were able to maintain their lead by the skin of their teeth, with Roar pushing back on every attack.
Rebounds were scarce with both sides shooting dangerously accurately.
With the match coming into a halftime break, Warriors extended their lead 33-27.
Quarter 3
Roar made headway early in the second half, out pacing Warriors defenders in the goal circle.
However, Roar lost the momentum they gained early in the quarter to wayward passes and unforced errors, allowing Warriors to retake their lead.
Warriors were steady and consistent throughout the third quarter, stopping Roar from getting anywhere closer than four goals behind.
Quarter 4
Tensions were high heading into the fourth term of this finals match with the deciding factor boiling down to team consistency.
Roar were unable to maintain their earlier cohesion and were outmatched by the experience of the Warriors side. Ending the match, Warriors defeated Roar by nine goals.
Finals round overview
Opens
A sad end to the season for Southside Demons as they were taken down by Curtin Hammersley Comets 58-48.
Comets gained an early lead and maintained their momentum right until the final whistle.
Comets and Roar will go head to head in next week’s preliminary final.
20U
Comets will have a second chance at a Grand Final finish after being beaten by Rangers 50-40 on Friday night.
Roar were knocked out of finals by Lightning after a narrow four goal loss with the final score being 57-53.
Men’s
Warriors gained a strong victory against Demons who will have to play next week against Roar who knocked Comets out of the competition.
Warriors V Demons: 60-41
Roar V Comets: 49-36
