GAME 1
Victoria (5) defeated by NSW (30)
Netball Central | Gadigal People of the Eora Nation
It was a tough start to Day 1 of the Marie Little Shield with NSW getting the jump on us early and securing a strong win. The home side got off to a fast start in the opening quarter, taking a four-goal lead after capitalising on some early turnovers. Emma and Renay led the charge in attack with their crafty passes down the court.
Rachael moved from centre to goal defence in the second term and applied a wealth of pressure over the shot with her long arms and leap, but the lead continued to grow for NSW as they went into half time leading by eight goals.
Sky re-entered the game in goal keeper in the third term collecting some handy intercepts and deflections, while Emma showed her versatility moving from goal attack to goal defence. But NSW continued to forge ahead and sealed the win thanks to some impressive shooting.
GAME 2
Victoria (30) defeated Queensland (4)
Netball Central | Gadigal People of the Eora Nation
Game 2 saw us collect our first win with a strong performance against Queensland. We were on song from the first whistle with Erin and Emma finding plenty of space inside the goal circle. Out the front, the combination of Renay and Rachael worked wonders with the pair able to hit circle edge and use their drives to create space.
Our intensity continued in the second quarter with Sky getting plenty of tips, while Lucy picked up a couple of loose balls down back to stop Queensland in their tracks. We steadily added to our 10-goal lead thanks to our smooth connections across the court and three-foot marking.
Up by 13 at half time we looked to add to our tally with Ehlana finding the goals with ease, while Bianca applied some great defensive pressure through the midcourt. Grace and Holly used their speed to add some dynamic movement to the midcourt and attacking end as we secured the win.
WHAT THEY SAID
Head coach Naomi Linossier was pleased with her side’s resilience.
“We well and truly bounced back after facing some tough competition in Game 1,” she said.
“We showed a lot of grit and determination throughout the day, and you could see in Game 2 just how much we gelled as a side and I’m excited to see what tomorrow brings.”
WHAT COMES NEXT
We have an action-packed day to come with our first of three games starting at 10.05am AEDT tomorrow, Thursday 27 October.
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Marie Little Shield results, fixture and ladder
