Fightback by Flames can’t stop the Blues
KINGSTON Blues withstood a Karana Flames fightback to win 45-40 and take the inaugural SPEAK UP Stay ChatTY! Cup in the last regular roster State League netball match for the year.
Karana started tentatively in attack, despite Eliza Siely and Zanna Jodlowska creating turnovers in defence as Kingston took a 7-1 lead with Kingston’s Emma Johns and Bec Hyland picking up everything.
Greta Shelton from Kingston started to find space at wing attack to help Kingston to a 13-4 lead at quarter-time.
An injury to Shelton saw Kingston lose its speed in attack as Karana increased the defensive pressure to cut the lead back to six. Another turnover to Karana and a deflec- tion to Siely saw Karana finish the half trailing 18-21.
Karana started the third quarter with increased intensity to quickly close the gap, with Genneveve Sullivan and Jodlowska in defence shutting down the space of Gemma Polley and Chelsea Coleman. An intercept to Sullivan and Hannah Lee saw Karana suddenly take the lead out to two.
Kingston had to remain patient in attack as Karana’s defensive pressure was intense, but as Karana rushed in attack, Kingston was able to clean up some high balls and Kingston took a 30-29 lead.
Kingston started the final quarter with extra intensity as intercepts to Johns and Hyland saw the lead out to four.
Karana just couldn’t close the gap as Kingston held on for the 45-40 victory. Kingston coach Erin Baker was happy to come away with the points.
“It was an amazing defensive game from both teams. I was really pleased with our defensive intensity and contest across the court,” she said.
“Karana made us work really hard in attack and we had to remain patient. It was a great test for us heading into finals.”
Karana coach Lou Carter was pleased with her team’s ability to get back into the game. “The first quarter was riddled with our own errors,” she said. “But we showed spirit and more composure in the last three quarters. Everybody contributed all over the court.”
In other matches, AYCFriends Arrows had an easy 104-20 win, Northern Hawks won 58-56 in a thriller against Cavaliers, and Devon beat Burnie Tigers 60-56.