Western Roar are through to the Gold Industry Group West Australian Netball League Grand Final after putting on a spectacular performance in the Preliminary Final on Friday night to beat ECU Souwest Jets 63-25.
Just as Roar thought they claimed their biggest win of the season last week; they surprised all by defying the odds to win the Prelim by record-setting and unbeatable 38 goals.
Jets had first hands to the ball, the intensity on court was felt by all while the crowd’s cheers echoed to fill the entire stadium. Jets scored early off their centre pass and it didn’t take long for Roar to meet them on the scoreboard as shooter Maddison Schultz opened up the scoring for her side. Jets suffered at the hands of Roar’s full court defence which resulted in two held balls during the first quarter.
Jets’ shooter Giselle Taylor held from behind to receive lob passes however Roar defender, Chelsea Bartlett, caught on as she intercepted two of those feeds and Annabel Saggers joined her in reading that play which resulted in another two balls being turned over. Roar used that advantage and went on to score on all occasions.
Roar’s Abbey Thomas came onto the court with drive as she made a sensational feed through to shooter, Sophia Lamers, who found the net. Lamers scored at a rate of 96%; putting up an impressive 44 goals from her 46 attempts.
Speaking after the game, Lamers said that it was an amazing feeling to make the Grand Final.
“I think this team definitely deserves it, we’ve worked so hard all season and we just really gelled at the right time to come together and we’re just as close as we could be,” she said.
“Lots and lots of practice on the shots for sure. It’s being able to rely on your team members; just knowing that everyone’s got your back and you’re all playing for each other it keeps you grounded to keep your cool when you’re under so much pressure.”
While defensively Jets felt Roar’s presence, they continued to fight. Time stood still for defender Ruth Aryang as she reached new heights to steal the ball from Roar’s attack. The ball made its way down court cautiously protected by Jets into the hands of Taylor who balanced to keep the ball in and confidently put up the shot to find the net.
Roar made a change in shooting as Emma Putt made her way on court and opened with a screamer. On the other end of court, Bartlett held strong in putting up a fight to the opposition.
Heading into the final quarter of the game, Roar led favourably 54-20.
Jets didn’t let the score dictate their play as they showed up in the third quarter; it was the final chance for Jets to make a dent in the scoreboard or for Roar to go all the way.
Jets’ keeper, Shaye Skaraha, had a touch in the circle which led to the ball being turned over and continued to push on as she won a rebound. Aryang managed an incredible last-minute steal in mid court but it just wasn’t enough as Roar led the pack with strong, exceptional play in all areas on court.
Western Roar coach, Dylan McPherson, told his team to reset heading into this game despite their Semi-Final win last week.
“Jets were always going to come out pretty tough and I actually thought they played a really good first quarter, so for us it was to reset and go back to the process and just do what we do well; which they did,” he said.
“[We put our best combinations on the court] regardless. We believe that our best netball is the best netball. I will put whoever can play that netball on the court and I thought when Emma Putt came on in GS, that changed the game. I think Abbey Thomas came on really well and Oshi [O’Shairn Vale] had good impact.
“You’ve got to respect your opponent. Jets are a great team, they’ve had a really rough year injury wise but we knew they’d be playing with a lot of heart and they came out in the third quarter and really took it to us so we really had to put our foot down at the end,” McPherson said.
“We want to be a team of 11 and I think we proved that tonight we’ve got depth and we just kept on going and going and going. I believe in our product.”
Western Roar will face West Coast Warriors in the Grand Final on Friday 27 August at the Gold Netball Centre.
Preliminary Final Scoreboard
OPEN
Western Roar defeated ECU Souwest Jets 63-25
20U
East Freo Sharks defeated Southside Demons 62-54
MEN
Western Roar defeated Curtin Hamersley Comets 47-34
Grand Final Fixtures
Friday 27 August – Gold Netball Centre
20U
5pm - Rangers v East Freo Sharks
OPEN
7pm - West Coast Warriors v Western Roar
MEN
9pm - West Coast Warriors v Western Roar
Grand Final Tickets
(Available at the door)
Adult $15
Concession $10
Children (16&Under) Free
