A dominant 23-goal win over the Sunshine Coast Lightning Bolts on Sunday saw the Victorian Fury finish in fifth position at this year’s Australian Netball Championships. Led by Emily Andrew (48/50 at 96%) and Zara Walters (49 feeds, 31 goal assists, 4 pickups), Fury put out an impressive full-court performance to end their campaign.
Q1 | Fury 15 – 13 Lightning Bolts
Fury got off to a hot start with two unanswered goals in the opening 30 seconds and worked hard to maintain that lead until the end of the first quarter. Andrew was strong under the post with 13 goals, while Ruby Shannon showcased her hunger for the ball and closing speed through the midcourt. Defender Ash Ervin had a solid 15 minutes for the Lightning Bolts and kept the Fury goalers on their toes.
Q2 | Fury 31 – 25 Lightning Bolts
Another strong quarter from the Fury saw the Victorians extend their lead to six goals in the second quarter. Maggie Caris was impressive in goal keeper (9 gains, 3 intercepts), while Walters built on her outstanding ANC form with eight goal assists and 18 feeds for the term. Andrew continued to make life hard for the Bolts’ defence, registering 12 goals at 100% accuracy. Annika Lee-Jones and Kelly Singleton combined well under the post for the Bolts with 12 goals between them.
Q3 | Fury 48 – 37 Lightning Bolts
Fury continued to assert dominance in the third quarter, extending their lead to 11 goals by the final break. Georgia Moody offered good support for Andrew in attack, shooting at 100% accuracy and doing plenty of work out the front to free up space. Tepaea Hobson entered the game and quickly formed a strong partnership with Caris in Fury’s defensive third, while Claudia Mawson had an impact in wing attack with six centre pass receives. Sunshine Coast’s Maddie Hinchliffe was a standout for her side with eight feeds throughout the quarter.
Q4 | Fury 68 – 45 Lightning Bolts
A 20-goal to eight final quarter saw Fury power home and blow out the margin to 23. Captain Sharni Lambden kept the pressure up in goal defence, her athleticism and work rate forcing the Bolts’ attack to work the ball around before finding a feed into the circle. Walters was near unstoppable in the midcourt with seven goal assists and eight feeds, combining well with vice captain Taylah Brown who put in another workhorse performance. Lily McClure fought hard for the Lightning Bolts in goal defence, but the Victorians proved too strong.
BY THE NUMBERS
Sharpshooter Emily Andrew capped off an impressive tournament with another exceptional performance under the post, sinking 48 goals at 96% accuracy. Zara Walters, who’s also been a standout this ANC, was instrumental through the midcourt with 31 goal assists, 49 feeds and 4 pickups in a 60-minute effort.
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