Flaming Arrows shoot straight in Cripps crush

AYC-FRIENDS Arrows have continued their unbeaten run with another impressive 71-39 victory over Cripps in Round 10 of State League Netball Action on the weekend.

The Arrows were without Zoe and AJ Gough, so they started with an unfamiliar line-up.

But Hayley Sansom looked at home in goal keeper, and combined well with Ashlee Campbell to help the Arrows quickly build a 13-6 lead.

The Arrows’ zone defence troubled Cripps and they struggled to break through.

Sophie Gunn was positioning well in the circle, and despite Olivia French’s best efforts, Cripps struggled to overcome the height difference with the Arrows holding a 19-10 lead at quarter time.

Cripps started the second quarter well, creating a few turnovers, and their fast ball movement down the court had the Arrows on the back foot – but they couldn’t convert.

Georgia Downward battled hard at wing defence but her Cripps side just couldn’t make smart choices in attack and the Arrows swooped on every loose ball.

The Arrows were able to score quickly and the lead shot back out to 37-21 at half-time.

The Arrows brought on under-19 player Ellie Fleming, who combined well with Sansom and they continued to create turnovers to extend their lead.

Cripps created opportunities but were unable to capitalise, allowing the Arrows to built a 53-28 lead going into the last.

The Arrows made more changes and with the more familiar attacking end of Sansom, Gunn and Kate Prins were able to continue to build their lead and ran out 32-goal winners.

Coach Andrew Jackson was pleased the win came despite the Arrows not being full strength.

“Our timing or touch on the pass wasn’t quite perfect, but it was good to have a nice win,” Jackson said.

“It was good to give some under-19s a run, and pleasing to see Sophie play her first full game.”

Cripps coach Rosalie Navickas said “our pressure throughout the court needed to be better to stop Arrows quick ball movement and that is something we will need to work on.”

“Throughout the game the girls showed some excellent skills and ball movement, our timing and ball placement is improving but we need to work on our consistency and intensity if we are going to force our way into the top four and a place in finals.”

In other matches Kingston defeated OHA 69-25, the Cavaliers defeated the Burnie Tigers 57-31 and the Northern Hawks crushed Devon 80-39.