The Victorian Fury have recorded mixed results from their opening round of competition in the Deakin University Australian Netball League.
Taking on the NNSW Waratahs, the Fury opened their account with a 15 goal win on Saturday, 61-46 before succumbing to the pressure of the Waratahs in the second match, going down 50-58.
Fury defenders Rudi Ellis, Jacqui Newton and Allie Smith combined well throughout the first match to make tough work for the Waratahs shooters.
Playing against her former team for the first time, Ellis was impressive creating turnovers at crucial stages, whilst Newton and Smith’s pressure through the court limited the Waratahs’ path into goal.
The Fury led at every break during the game, with an 18-goal third quarter setting the Fury up to allow debutants to take the court.
Smith from Leopold was one of the five players to make their Fury debut on Saturday.
“It was sort of just a shock and I wasn’t expecting it at all.
“I guess it was just a rush of excitement and I just grabbed the opportunity with two hands,” Smith said.
“I was so happy. I was over the moon, especially to come out with Sacha [McDonald] and the other girls.”
“Sacha and I have been in School Sport Victoria since 2012 so it was a really exciting moment.”
Along with Smith making their debut were Ellis, Ruby Horton, Kaitlyn Black and Sacha McDonald.
The second match saw the injection of Melbourne Vixens trio Khao Watts, Samantha Gooden and Kadie-Ann Dehaney as well as NSW Swifts players Kate Eddy, Sophie Garbin and Claire O’Brien.
A strong Waratahs defensive effort rattled the Fury shooters, whilst accurate shooting from Garbin and shooter Matisse Letherbarrow limited turnovers.
“Saturday was awesome. Everything was flowing, and we had the confidence,” Smith said.
“[On Sunday] I think we didn’t finish things. We were being reactive instead of proactive.”
The results from the weekend see the Fury sitting third on the ladder, behind the Tasmanian Magpies on percentage, and the Canberra GIANTS who are undefeated.
Shooting Statistics
Game 1
Rahni Samason 27/28
Mikaela Vaughan 13/17
Ruby Horton 3/4
Game 2
Rahni Samason 27/33
Samantha Gooden 17/22
Mikaela Vaughan 3/5
Ruby Horton 3/3
