Nissan Arena opened its doors to all three 7pm round one clashes, which included TAE Aerospace Ipswich Jets defeating Brisbane South Wildcats 57-35 in the first livestreamed game of a three-year partnership with New Corp’s KommunityTV.
The Jets were too strong across the court and held a consistent lead during all four quarters, yet coach Paula Stuart said they didn’t have it all their way.
“I thought Gribble (Lily) was outstanding, as well as the defenders out the front, but it was a great team effort,” Stuart said.
“The scoreline didn’t indicate how tough the game was. Give them (Wildcats) a few games under their belt and they’ll be the ones to watch.”
After failing to record a single victory in 2022, Wildcats coach Megan Lynch was buoyed by the opening performance of her new-look roster.
“I thought that the one person that was going to be my big find of the season absolutely stood up - Georgia Feeney,” Lynch said.
“I’m so proud of her. No-one has ever shown her she can, and she has turned so much ball over.”
Lynch also gave credit to young goalshooter Coco Smith, who entered the game in the second quarter and recorded 16 goals from 21 attempts with four rebounds.
“I’m really proud of her,” Lynch said.
“She’s just turned 18, has moved away from her home in Victoria, packed everything up. But I’ve a positive thing to say about every single kid. I’m so proud of them. I’m disappointed but really excited about what’s to come.”
A solid leadership performance by captain Leilani Rohweder and vice-captain Bridey Condren saw the Sunshine Coast Thunder record a 60-43 victory over the Carina Leagues Club Tigers.
Thunder coach Simone Nalatu described the first-up outing as one where her players built on the scoreline with every quarter.
“It was a really intense game and the girls said it felt closer than what it was,” Nalatu said.
“It was quite a high intensity game from first to last whistle, where we had to maintain and minimise mistakes.”
Nalatu, in her debut appearance as Thunder head coach, was pleased to be able to run all her players on court in preparation for an exciting round two clash with defending premiers ACU Brisbane North Cougars.
The Cougars will be confident after a 70-52 round one victory over the Bond University Bull Sharks - as the Gold Coast-based club made their return to the HART Sapphire Series.
“Overall I was happy with the performance,” Cougars coach Liz White said.
“They showed moments when they played well, and it exposed areas we need to work on and refine. Leesa Mi Mi was really good, and it was nice to see Olivia Sise return to the court after being injured in 2021.”
Gold Coast Titans Netball, who had a first-up bye, will have undoubtedly been taking notes ahead of their first game for the 2023 season against the Bull Sharks on Saturday, April 29 at Carrara Stadium.
This huge inaugural Gold Coast derby, which opens round two, will be streamed live via News Corp’s KommunityTV, and is exclusive for News Corp subscribers.
The current ladder for the 2023 Sapphire Series is available here.
