Rangers proved they’ve got what it takes after a 38-49 win over East Freo Sharks on Friday night in round 9 of the Gold Industry Group West Australian Netball League.
Sharks took early control with the first centre pass which lead to Shakayla Ugle scoring the opening goal for her side. It didn’t take long for Rangers to retaliate with a turnover from GK, Ashleigh Howat, and a sensational intercept from Kate Bunten moments later, it was enough for Rangers to create momentum. The first quarter ended with scattered play from Sharks as they managed to hold onto a one goal advantage.
Rangers made the most of their defence in the second half which lead to the game being turned around. Such efforts were made by goal defender, Simone Gates, who utilised her speed and coordination to win the ball in Sharks’ attacking circle only to end up into the hands Rangers goal shooter, Katie Swetman, and goal attack, Georgia Pitt, who went on to share a combined effort of 68 attempts at goal and 49 to show for it.
As the game continued, Ashleigh Howat’s role in GK was significant for Rangers as she intelligently intercepted the ball whilst being two steps ahead of attacking players to create turnovers. On the opposite end of the court, Katie Swetman in GS, came out of the circle to accept the feed from her teammates as she beat her defenders to pass through to Georgia Pitt for another one of her stunning goals.
With only six minutes remaining of the third quarter, Sharks’ GK Elena Damianopoulos, was sent back on court in best attempts to put a halt in Rangers strong attack. Rangers took a six-goal advantage with them into the final quarter of the game as Sharks were left circling.
The fiery final quarter kicked off as Sharks put in work until elements of fatigue reflected in their play. Rangers doubled up defensively on Sharks’ attack in the circle while Sharks’ winger Ella Sigley worked for turnovers hoping for final redemption for her side. However, a late come back for Sharks wasn’t on the cards as Rangers absorbed the adrenaline of the final quarter as they rallied the strength to continue to increase the margin making it 11 goals the difference for the win at the final whistle.
Rangers coach Jo McKee said she was really proud of the team’s performance.
“It was a good four quarters. Good, solid effort, we’ve tended to have patches where we’ve lost a quarter here or there, but it was good to see consistency over four quarters and to build,” she said.
McKee told her team to reset to zero at half time, to continue to work hard and to look after the ball.
“Every single person stepped up and played their role and that’s what we ask them, that each person to play their own role and I thought they did that. It was a repeated effort by everyone, including the girls on the bench who were so loud and supportive.
“[We need to] minimise our error rate… Our losses haven’t been huge so to be sitting on the bottom of the ladder when we know we can put out four quarter performances – that’s what we’ve got to build on.”
