It was a riveting start to round 3 of the Origin Energy Metro League with Kalamunda Districts Netball Association chasing their third consecutive win and the second for Swan Districts.
With standout shooting duo’s either end of the court, this promised to be a great Open Division One game. Kalamunda fought their way to a substantial early lead which they managed to hold for the rest of the game despite a determined effort from the Swans.
Swan's first centre pass was intercepted by Kalamunda's quick thinking wing attack Moana Hislop who in turn fed goal shooter Cheney Armstrong and goal attack Nikki Mccallum.
The collaboration between these shooters is extraordinary. Many of their passes between each other made without eye contact, so much so that spectators would be forgiven for thinking the pair had been shooting together for years. This in fact, is not the case. This is the couple’s first year shooting together, and with performances like Friday night, it surely won’t be the last.
Photos by Steve McLeod, Swan SportsThe other end of the court holds Swan's tallest shooter at 196cm, Kate Kimberly and goal attack Emily Latham. Kimberly was able to work the circle well and also have the advantage of her height while Latham’s fast movements bouncing from one side of the circle to the other keeping her defenders on their toes. Latham was always where she needed to be, often landing into a space ready to shoot.
Swans wing attack Brittany Haigh fed the ball well for her shooters, finding space where the player was running to in order to keep the game moving. Haigh has great second phase movement, always passing the ball off and popping herself into the pocket ready to feed.
Heading into the second quarter Kalamunda led 25 v Swans 4.
Photos by Steve McLeod, Swan SportsKalamunda, confident with their team, kept the same side for the start of the second. Swans showed the diversity within their team making a few changes swapping their goal defender Emily Crozier and their centre Catherine Pinto.
Crozier showed just how well she can adjust to a new position, taking on her new mid court role fantastically. Switching from wing defence to wing attack, Emma Wyatt also transitioned well. These small changes were working well for the Swans with their score more than doubling from the last quarter.
Kalamunda’s defence, noticing a change in momentum, pushed back. Goal keeper Samantha Campbell showed an incredible eye for the ball with intercept after intercept in this quarter. She often came from across court to hunt any ball she believed could be hers. Together Campbell and goal defence Janneke Markovic held a strong front line in keeping the opposition out of the circle. These two showed another strong duo present in the Kalamunda line up.
Despite a determined opposition, Kalamunda continued to extend their lead at half time, leading 41 to the Swans 11.
Photos by Steve McLeod, Swan SportsOne notable change as both teams returned to the court for the second half, Kalamunda shooting duo Armstrong and McCallum had been split up. Moana Hislop moved into goal attack and wasted little time adding to the ever-growing score line. McCallum, having moved to wing attack was equally effective in her new position feeding her shooters. Again, the confidence shown with no-look-passes spoke volumes of the team dynamics and the trust that they hold in one another.
No changes were made for Swan Districts during half time, however an on-court injury to goal defender Catherine Pinto saw Haigh move to wing defence. Haigh adjusted to this position incredibly and proved to be a double threat attacker and defender. Swans goal keeper Sarah Evans also made several impressive intercepts and turnovers.
Kalamunda 61 led Swan Districts 18 heading into the final quarter.
Having Hislop remain at goal attack at the start of the fourth gave the WA/GA/GS trio a chance to shine. They worked together very well, always knowing where to find their teammates and where the ball needed to be placed. Kalamunda's defence also had a strong quarter, heaping pressure on the Swans causing a held ball creating a turnover. Samantha Campbell continued to excel with more intercepts.
Swan District's mid court made full use of all the corridors of the court exceptionally well, with each ball having multiple options for a sure pass.
While Kalamunda finished the game, defeating the Swans 81 points to 25, Swan Districts can walk away with their heads held high after a gutsy performance.
Photos by Steve McLeod, Swan SportsOther results from round three;
Opens Div 1
Wanneroo 46 defeat Peel 33
Kalamunda 81 defeat Swan Districts 25
Fremantle 75 defeat Success 26
Perth 52 defeat RDNA Breakers 35
Opens Div 2
Kalamunda 65 defeat Belmont 64
Mandurah 57 defeat Joondalup 46
Noranda 67 defeat Southern Districts 54
U18 Div 1
RDNA Breakers 48 defeat Kalamunda 32
Fremantle 60 defeat Noranda 45
Perth 45 defeat Peel 39
Wanneroo 57 defeat Joondalup 25
U18 Div 2
Swan Districts 42 defeat Southern Districts 40
Success 57 defeat Mandurah 39
Geraldton - Bye
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.
