Kingston nets respect as a finals contender

KINGSTON Blues have announced themselves as finals contenders after a convincing 57-42 win over Cavaliers and a one-goal loss to ladder leaders Northern Hawks.

Yesterday’s loss saw Kingston stage an amazing fightback to take the lead in a see-sawing last quarter, but they couldn’t quite hold on and Hawks were able to come away with the 67-66 win.

Hawks looked like they might run away with the game after dominating the first quarter 25-10, with shooter Ashlea Mawer scoring 22 from 22.

Kingston fought back hard in the second to outscore Hawks 18-9 and reduce the deficit to six, and continued to impress in the third as it cut the lead back to one.

A fast-paced, lead-changing last term started with Kingston scoring the first three goals to take the lead as the undefeated Hawks found themselves in unfamiliar territory this year.

Both teams then went goal for goal until Hawks scored three in a row to steal back the lead, before Kingston wrestled its way back in front but was unable to convert the centre pass and Hawks scored the last two goals of the game.

Hawks coach Ruth Tuohy acknowledged they were lucky to come away with the win.

“We started the game so strongly, however, we made some errors and Kingston were quick to capitalise. It was a big learning curve for us today that we cannot be complacent in any game,” Tuohy said.

Saturday’s game against Cavaliers was set up with an impressive 19-3 second quarter that was finished off with 12 unanswered goals.

Kingston started well with a 16-10 first quarter and continued its impressive form to dominate the second to take a commanding 35-13 lead into the second half. Cavaliers put on a better showing in the second half to win the third quarter 13-10 and the last 16-12, but it was too little too late.

Kingston coach Erin Baker was pleased with the team’s efforts over the weekend.

“Our work rate was the best we’ve seen from the whole team and to back up so well against Hawks showed courage,” she said.

In other matches, AYCFriends Arrows handed OHA a 102-21 drubbing, Burnie Tigers surprised Cripps Waratah with a 60-54 win, but Cripps were able to bounce back with a 53-32 win over Devon.