Round 2 Match Report – South Coast Blaze vs Panthers Netball
30 July 2020
U23s
South Coast Blaze U23s had a slow start in the first quarter against Panthers Netball, trailing 13-8 in the first quarter and 25-19 at the half, with a few errors hindering the team.
In the third quarter the injection of speed from Abbey Baker at Centre and determined defence from 16 year old young gun Chloe Burden at Goal Keeper, with the powerhouse shooting duo of Ky-Mani Schwenke (GS) and Emily Dunn (GA) switching it on, saw the Blaze up at the end of the third quarter 38-35.
In the final quarter, Panthers clawed back the margin with a few turnovers but the U23s kept their composure, winning in the final seconds of the game by 1, with the final score 49-48.
Opens
Our South Coast Blaze opens team scored their first win for the season in a thrilling comeback to steal the victory 61-57.
Matched against a classy outfit, the intensity was felt early with a blow in the first quarter trailing 15-5. The smothering defensive pressure matched with their seasoned and star pairing in Commane and Malesala proved troublesome for our young talents.
In the second quarter, there was new energy and fight from our South coast blaze team, with coach Marj Parr calling on her experienced veterans in Brice and Davies to lead the charge to a comeback in the second quarter, with Blaze only down by 6 at the half, 29-23.
Coaches Parr and Napara again showing faith in their troops saw the introduction of local and Illawarra junior product Laura Davenport making an immediate impact finding easier passage to star shooter Kristina Brice. Blaze ended the third spell with a single margin lead 44-43, setting the scene for what would be a gutsy and thrilling showdown.
The South Coast team showed heart and true fighting spirit to close off a thrilling last quarter win 17-14 over Panthers, achieving the first win for the season and making history in the inaugural year of the South Coast Blaze Franchise.
The girls will certainly enjoy the win but will soon meet Thursday night to prepare for their next encounter.
