The Victorian Fury have recorded a mixed-bag of results in Round 1 of the 2017 Australian Netball League.
Opening their season on Saturday night, the Fury fought hard against the newly formed Tasmanian Magpies, however could not secure their first win.
The Fury’s defensive duo of Ramayer Gourley and Jacqui Newton restricted the Magpies’ shooters early in the match, making the opposition work hard for each goal.
However, the Magpies gained an early lead off-the-back-of some stellar play by former Fury player Ella Bayliss.
Despite challenges from the Fury, drawing level on many occasions, the Magpies maintained a lead for majority of the match and won 51-44.
The rematch the following day was a different story though, with the Fury bouncing back with the inclusion of some experienced players, such as Lara Dunkley.
The Fury were fast out of the blocks, running out to a 15-8 lead at the first break.
Goal Shooter, Kate Thompson, played her best game for the Fury, scoring all 15 of her team’s goals in the opening term, and continued to shoot 41 goals for the match.
Victorian Fury Head Coach, Leesa Gallard, said she was impressed with Thompson’s performance throughout the weekend.
“She stood up against some immense physical pressure, got the ball and was a really strong option – but also turned and took her shots under some really crunch pressure [and] she nailed them so that was great to see from Kate,” Gallard said.
The Fury powered on in the second quarter, obtaining a lead of 10 at half time, which they held for the third quarter.
A surge in the final quarter from the Magpies saw them reduce the margin, however Thompson was able to settle and sink some pressure goals, securing the win 53 – 46.
Wing defender, Elle Bennetts, played a pivotal role in her side’s win, claiming intercepts and reducing the impact of opponent Bayliss, who dominated the day before.
Gallard said she was pleased that her team could improve throughout the two games.
“We really needed to bounce back today and show strength in all positions across the court, be really strong to the ball and run a few key aspects that we have been working on,” Gallard said.
“I am really pleased that the girls were able to take-up what we were asking them to do and do it consistently across four quarters today.”
The Fury will now head to Alice Springs to take-on the newly reformed Territory Storm for Round 2.
Shooting Statistics
Saturday 18 February
Tasmanian Magpies 51 defeated 44 Victorian Fury
Fury shooting statistics
Kate Thompson 33/40 (83%)
Stephanie Puopolo 11/18 (62%)
Sunday 19 February
Victorian Fury 53 defeated 46 Tasmanian Magpies
Fury shooting statistics
Kate Thompson 41/48 (86%)
Stephanie Puopolo 12/19 (64%)
