East Freo Sharks swam up to third place on the ladder after a 50-40 victory over Southside Demons on Friday night in round 11 of the Gold Industry Group West Australian Netball League.
The opening whistle saw Sharks with first hands to the ball however, quickly turned over to Demons as they found themselves on the scoreboard early with help from shooter Bec Lill who celebrated 150 games on Friday. It didn’t take long for Sharks to bite back as keeper, Jess Penny, read the play for an intercept which led to a goal from GS, Shakayla Ugle, who used the space in the circle upon receiving a feed from wing attack, Ella Sigley.
Sharks adjusted and made changes to player positions in the second quarter which worked in their favour. What didn’t change was their goal attack, Zoey Baxter, and her humble drive as she hustled on and off the ball to find the net. Sharks didn’t waste any time in getting the ball through to their shooters as they played to win the quarter and set the tone for the remainder of the game.
Demons took the court playing a much faster but inaccurate game, letting Sharks back into the contest as the one goal advantage they had in the beginning of the quarter was quashed. Sharks went into the second half of the game with a four-goal lead.
The second half saw both sides play two defenders on one attacker in the circle, even leading to a turnover from Sharks’ keeper, Jess Penny. The ball found its way up the court as Zoey Baxter tested her ability in a one-handed pass around the post to keep the ball in play, which set up her GS up for a goal. Demons’ GD Chanel Gomes blocked the shooter and denied Sharks of another chance at goal with some help from GK, Abbey Hanley, who read the play and intercepted the ball as it returned.
The final quarter of the game saw Sharks defender, Shannon Eagland, make some great turnovers in the circle along with Courtney Kruta who was back in Centre. It was the final chance and Sharks took the opportunity to play their game and it was reflected as they dominated the play. Sharks really found final momentum and became more confident on the shot as the shooters found their placement away from the defenders. Demons however, faced missed opportunities and hesitancy in finding the net. Gomes put her body on the line for her team as she made rebounds to try keep Demons in the game.
The final whistle blew with 10 goals being the difference for Sharks to emerge victorious.
ROUND 11 SCOREBOARD
Open
Sharks 50 defeated Demons 40
Jets 46 drew Roar 46
Warriors 44 defeated Comets 36
Rangers 53 defeated Lightning 47
20U
Sharks 74 defeated Demons 26
Roar 64 defeated Jets 34
Warriors 48 defeated Comets 45
Rangers 66 defeated Lightning 40
