Queensland Sapphires assistant coach Simone Nalatu shares her game ‘gems’ from this week’s inaugural Australian Netball Championships.
Sapphires vs Fury (game 5):
The Queensland Sapphires came desperately close to making the inaugural ANC grand final, suffering a six goal loss to the Victorian Fury.
The Sapphires trailed by four at the first quarter break and reduced that margin to three going into half time (28-31). Whilst the Sapphires created many opportunities for themselves they were unable to capitalise and trailed by six going into the final quarter.
The Sapphires fought hard until the last whistle but were not able to claw the lead back from the Fury.
Queensland’s attention now turns to the ANC bronze medal match against Collingwood at 12:15pm today.
Tune into all the live action on Kayo Freebies.
Sapphires v Darters (game 4):
It took a team effort of all 12 players to come away with the 57-46 win against the Darters on Friday night.
The game saw many new combinations on court with Isabelle Shearer (GD), Lia Woolnough (WD) and Rylee Burns (GA) all getting their first start of the tournament.
Macy Gardner (C) and Leesa MiMi (WA) were familiar starters and helped settle the new combinations with their calm and composed play. At half time they were replaced by Sapphires captain Hulita Veve and Mia Stower. Stower, who played at WA for the second half, finished the game with 15 goal assists.
Remi Kamo was impressive at GK with six gains and nine deflections in the three quarters she played.
Bring on the finals!
Sapphires v Fever Reserves (game 3):
Queensland Sapphires recorded their second win of the ANC against the Fever Reserves on Thursday evening.
The Sapphires were clinical in their performance against an experienced Fever side, winning and building each quarter with a 65 to 49 final result.
Queensland Sapphire Charlie Bell was dominant in her performance at GS, shooting 43 goals from 47 attempts at 91%. Up the other end, Ash Ervin (9 gains), Dani Taylor (8 deflections) and Hulita Veve (4 intercepts) were rock solid in defence.
The Sapphires also welcomed two debutants to the court with Rylee Burns entering the game at GA and Isabelle Shearer coming into the game at GK in the final quarter.
The Sapphires face off against the Darters in the last match of Day 5 ahead of finals this weekend.
Tickets available via Latrobe City Council or watch free on Kayo Freebies.
Sapphires vs Magpies (game 2):
A hard fought game between the Queensland Sapphires and Collingwood Magpies saw the Magpies win Tuesday’s game by a narrow margin of four goals (63-67).
Queensland Sapphires were gallant in defeat throughout the game. At one stage during the third quarter the Magpies extended the lead to nine goals, but the gusty Queenslanders were able to reduce the margin at the last break to four goals.
Queensland Sapphire Olivia Dijkstra started the game for the first time this tournament and shot at 100% (16/16) in the first half.
The Queenslanders will take a lot out of the game, following their first-up 59-53 victory over Swifts Academy.
Day 3 sees a bye round before a huge game against West Coast Fever Reserves on Thursday.
Don’t forget you can watch all the ANC action live and free on Kayo Freebies!
