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U23s Vice-captain Jess Bowden gives it everything in defence<\/p>\n
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[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n Although the Blaze had top spot on the ladder locked in, a win for the Manly Warringah Sapphires would see them jump UTS Sparks and take 2nd place in their Conference heading into finals. A strong first quarter from the Blaze set them up well for the game however the intensity from Sapphires showed, bringing a hard fight to the Blaze, particularly in the third quarter, before ultimately going down 53-46 at the final whistle.<\/p>\n First Quarter<\/strong><\/p>\n The Blaze started with Allalatoa at GS, Evans GA, Tui WA, McCrohon C (C), VC Jess Bowden at WD, Sharnee Behr GD and exciting newcomer Anastasia Afoa in GK. Coming off an impressive 61\/63 goals in last weeks game, Allalatoa continued her shooting form leading the Blaze to a 16-10 goal lead at the first quarter break.<\/p>\n Second Quarter<\/strong><\/p>\n The Sapphires started the second quarter strong bringing the deficit back to 1 just three minutes into the Quarter. Gabby Eaton and Emma Mateo entered the game in WD with Jess Bowden moving into GD. A back and forth tousle in the second quarter saw Blaze maintain their lead but the gap fluctuate from 1 goal to 6 goals throughout, finishing the half leading the Sapphires 30-25.<\/p>\n Third Quarter<\/strong><\/p>\n Another strong start to the quarter and some strong shooter to shooter play saw the Sapphires draw level 2 minutes into the quarter. Newcomer Menaia Mete came onto the court in GA and Kiah Yelland into C moving Captain Clare McCrohon into WA. A few ill disciplined plays from the Blaze and a strong defensive effort from Manly saw the Sapphires take the lead by one half way through the quarter. The tousle continued with the scores level 38-38 at the three quarter break.<\/p>\n Fourth Quarter<\/strong><\/p>\n Returning to the tried and tested first quarter combination, the Blaze slowly extended their lead once including a strong second half of the quarter proving too strong for the Sapphires finishing 53-46 winners.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_media_grid element_width=”6″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1658652047535-9e21f63f-f5da-3″ include=”4084,4085,4087,4086″][vc_empty_space][vc_separator][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n BYE[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1657783597689{padding-top: 30px !important;padding-right: 30px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;padding-left: 30px !important;background-color: #f0f0f0 !important;border-radius: 10px !important;}”]<\/p>\nFinal Score: Blaze 53 – Sapphires 46<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
A HUGE congratulations to our U23s who, as a result of this match, finish the regular Origin Energy Premier League season on top of the U23s competition ladder!\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n
Opens<\/strong><\/h2>\n
FULL TIME SCORES<\/h4>\n