Hawks hold off feisty Blues
NORTHERN Hawks have all but secured second spot and the second chance by defeating Kingston Blues 76-62 in their Round 17 Tasmanian Netball League match.
Despite Kingston starting the first quarter well, Hawks managed to finish strongly off the back of some excellent feeding to goal shooter Ashlea Mawer under the post.
The Hawks took a 19-15 lead into the second quarter.
Kingston continued to battle hard in the second, but the Hawks’ defensive pressure caused Kingston to struggle and the Hawks headed into halftime with a 37-29 lead.
The Hawks increased their defensive intensity in the third quarter and forced Kingston to make poor decisions in attack.
This allowed Hawks to string together damaging runs, giving them a commanding 14goal lead heading into the last.
Despite exceptional shooting from Kingston goalies Millie Von Stieglitz and Chelsea Coleman, Kingston just was not able to close the gap, with Hawks running out eventual winners.
Kingston coach Erin Baker praised her team for their efforts given the last time these teams met back in Round 9 Hawks were 36-goal winners.
“It was a much improved game to our last one against Hawks,” Baker said.
“It was pleasing to see us stay in touch for four quarters and challenge them every quarter.”
“With a team like Hawks you have to make everything count.”
“We praised ourselves for the improvement but walked away with a few things to work on ready for the next time we meet.”
The win lifts Hawks a game clear of Kingston and Karana Flames with a superior percentage over both sides with one round remaining.
Next week’s results are unlikely to affect second position, but with Kingston taking on formidable ladder leader AYC-Friends Arrows and Karana playing sixth-placed Cavaliers, the results of those matches will decide third and fourth.
The Flames gave themselves every chance of snatching that third position with a dominant 69-30 win over Devon, despite missing under19 Australian squad member Lauren Mills.
Led by captain Zanna Jod-lowska at goal defence Karana was able to apply considerable defensive pressure restricting Devon to 12 goals in the second and third quarters while amassing 37 of their own.
Karana coach Alicia Sargent encouraged her team to focus on possession.
“Our major aim was to keep our passing errors to a minimum,” she said.
“We reached a record low stat for the season on this, playing with speed of release, accuracy of placement and good decision-making in a physical match.”
Arrows continued their unbeaten run with a 67-41 win over Burnie and Cavaliers had a big 88-31 win over OHA.