NSWIS to play for third in Super Club netball

NSWIS put on one of their best performances of the competition so far but were unable to defeat the Northern Mystics in their Semi Final game at the inaugural Super Club competition at the Trafalgar Centre, Nelson on Thursday 6 July.

Going into the Game the Mystics were ranked first in Pool B and NSWIS second in Pool A both playing off for a berth in the Super Club Grand Final.

Head Coach Briony Akle, is proud of the team’s performance against the Mystics, as they contested the ball for a full three quarters.

“I’m pleased with the team’s performance tonight,

“The game showed a huge improvement for the team, with the intensity and drive constant until the final quarter.

“Each player on court contested and challenged the mystics at each turn, unfortunately we lost our momentum in the last quarter.

“The team is developing and tonight showed marked improvement, which is all that I can ask for,” said Akle.

It was an impressive beginning from the young NSWIS side with GD Toni Anderson executing imposing turnovers along with GK Sarah Klau’s intense focus allowing her to pick off the ball. The Mystics were playing a fast paced game and took a small lead going into the first break 17-13.

The intensity went up a few notches in the second quarter with the game becoming the most physical of the tournament so far. NSWIS were giving the Mystics a run for their money, making them work for every pass. NSWIS Georgia Marshall came on as GA making an immediate impact on the NSWIS attacking front, creating smooth feeds between WA Taylah Davies and powerhouse C Maddy Proud. At half time NSWIS trailed by 8 goals, 32-24.

WD Amy Parmenter came out firing in the third quarter creating much-needed pressure on the Mystics attacking front. Space was in short supply in the Mystics goal circle with Anderson and Klau providing a strong wall of defence restricting Mystics plays. When the three-quarter time buzzer sounded the scoreboard was 47-39, with Mystics maintaining their eight-goal lead.

The final quarter continued to build as NSWIS tried to close the gap, relentlessly pursuing the Mystics. A change up from NSWIS saw Taylah Davies moved to C and brought Taylah Fraser on the court to WA. Within 30 seconds, Fraser was involved in a strong contest against arguably Mystics strongest defender, Anna Harrison and more impressively won. As the timer counted down, Mystics attacking front continued to increase their lead, with the final score 66-48.

NSWIS will play for third place tonight, Friday 7 July at 6.30pm NZST (4.30pm EST). This will be broadcast live via SKY Sport 4 and Netball New Zealand Facebook page.

Meanwhile, the scene is set for our country’s best young talent to shine on the international stage with the Australian 21/U team ready to do battle at the 2017 Netball World Youth Cup in Botswana. With four NSWIS athletes selected in Head Coach Tania Obst’s side, there is plenty of reason for the NSW netball community to take a keen interest in the tournament.

Kiera Austin (Eastwood Ryde) (NSWIS), Claire O’Brien (St George District) (NSWIS), Teigan O’Shannassy (Manly Warringah)  NSWIS and Jamie-Lee Price (Kiama) NSWIS will all don the Green & Gold dress in Africa, and hope to add another world title to the Australian trophy cabinet.

Quarter-by-Quarter Scores
NORTHERN MYSTICS | Q1: 17 – Q2: 15 (32) – Q3: 15 (47) – Q4: 19 (66)
NSWIS | Q1: 13 – Q2: 11 (24) – Q3: 15 (39) – Q4: 9 (48)

Starting Line-ups
NSWIS | GS Kristina Brice, GA Sophie Garbin, WA Taylah Davies, C Maddy Proud, WD Amy Parmenter, GD Toni Anderson, GK Sarah Klau, Tayla Fraser, Angela Frketic, Lauren Moore, Maddy Turner, Georgia Marshall.
NORTHERN MYSTICS | GS Bailey Mes, GA Maria Tutaia, WA Elisapeta Toeava, C Samon Nathan, WD Brooke Watt, GD Anna Harrison, GK Storm Purvis.

Shooting Statistics
NSWIS | 48/58 @ 82%
K.Brice: 34/39 @87%
S.Garbin: 7/9 @ 77%
G.Marshall: 6/8 @75%
A.Frketic: 1/ 2 @ 50%

Northern Mystics | 66/78 @ 84%
B.Mes: 45/49 @ 92%
Tutaia: 21/29 @ 72%