The West Coast Warriors cruised to an 87-42 victory over the Southside Demons in Friday’s WANL top-and-bottom of the ladder clash at the Gold Netball Centre.
With impressive players all down the court, it is not hard to see why the West Coast Warriors are sitting on top of the Gold Industry Group West Australian Netball League ladder. Unfortunately, Southside Demons still remain winless in the season after the 45-goal loss.
Both teams stepped out in an Indigenous themed dress, designed by Demons coach Josie Janz-Dawson and Warriors goal shooter Donnell Wallam.
Wallam’s impressive 73 goals showed everyone her agility and versatility within her goal shooter position and led her team to finish strong. Meanwhile, down the other end of the court, goalkeeper Stephanie Cooper kept her oppositions out of easy shooting range.
The Warriors’ defence showcased immense pressure in the second half. The Demons had to use every opportunity from centre pass, but Cooper and mid-court recruit Caitlyn Brown kept their eyes glued to the ball to intercept many incoming passes.
Warriors’ coach Lorraine Ward was impressed with pocket rocket Kellie Baker who was recruited from the 20s side earlier in the season. Although Baker may not tower over her opponents she makes up for height in her speed and adaptive game play.
She had a large impact on opening up Warriors’ centre court with her quick centre pass breaks.
Abbey Hanley and Lilly Walsh fought hard in defence for the Demons, intercepting a few passes destined for Wallam.
Demons goal shooter Rebecca Lill worked hard in the circle to score 31 of the Demons’ 42 goals.
Southside Demons coach Josie Janz-Dawson said they came into the game not focusing too much on the ladder position of the Warriors
“They are a high scoring team and they have got absolute weapons on the court, so for us it was focusing on our centre passes and conversions,” she said.
“We have not had a successful first six rounds, so it was a top and bottom clash this round and we were just trying to look at the scoreboard and keep them under one hundred.”
Southside Demons will meet the Western Roar at 6:15pm on Friday at Gold Netball Centre, while the West Coast Warriors face Curtin Hamersley Comets at 7.15pm at Curtin Stadium.
