West Coast Warriors secured back-to-back wins in the Gold Industry Group West Australian Netball League against Rangers with a 56-47 victory in Round 5 on Friday night.
Warriors were on the scoreboard early with the opening goal from Marene Peypers due to a turnover in Rangers’ attacking circle. Rangers played two defence on one attack at the centre third line intending to tighten the margin, however, the end of the first quarter saw Warriors escape with a 10-goal advantage.
Rangers went into the second quarter fighting for the ball and applying pressure. Katie Sweetman came out of the circle to create the chances for her side with Georgia Pitt finding space under the net to score. The whistle before half time saw Rangers put a dent in the lead chasing six goals to Warriors.
Warriors defending duo Caitlyn Brown and Stephanie Cooper owned the second half by reading the play, making intercepts and creating turnovers which got the ball up to Numi Tupea and into the hands of Sophie Bell who scored 38 from her 43 attempts.
West Coast Warriors coach Lorraine Ward said whe was pleased to secure the victory.
“We’re still looking for consistency, our defence end they’ve been together for a while but it’s a brand new attack end and we’ve got to keep working it and see what combinations work but I think we took another step in getting where we want to be,” she said.
Ward spent halftime reminding them who was in control of the game and to just take a breath.
“I actually said to them they were playing a little bit like they were losing, and they were up. Yes, we had given away a bit of a run, but I told them they had to change their mindset.
“I thought Numi Tupea was outstanding at WA and Sophie Bell in GS and again I think we were in a bit of trouble at three quarter time but Steph Cooper’s intercepts and Caitlyn Brown, they’ve got a nice combo.”
Ward said the team’s encouragement from the sidelines helped Warriors on court and was a good reflection of their culture.
“We’re all here for each other and we’re happy for each other to achieve something good but they’re great group, they’re very close and I’m sure if we keep building that consistency we can only get better.”
ROUND 5 SCOREBOARD
Open
Warriors 56 defeated Rangers 47
Jets 50 defeated Demons 40
Sharks 53 defeated Lightning 38
Comets 48 defeated Roar 47
Mens
Roar 67 defeated Demons 32
Warriors 60 defeated Comets 37
20U
Demons 55 defeated Jets 26
Sharks 54 defeated Lightning 39
Rangers 69 defeated Warriors 55
Roar 47 defeated Comets 43
