Leprechauns rookie gaining growing respect
SHE’S only three games into her debut Senior Division 1 season, but Leprechauns rookie goal shooter Sera-Lee Tikitau is starting to cement herself in the GS bib.
The 16-year-old has stepped up to Cairns Netball Association’s premier competition this season, where she plays alongside her older sister and
ROUND 3 RESULTS Leprechauns 54 d Cutters 34 Fierce 55 d Saints 16
Sharks 52 d Tigers 25 former Northern Rays player Chantelle.
The younger sibling has not looked out of place in the opening three rounds, forming a formidable combination in the front court with her sister, who plays goal attack.
Coach Kym McPhee-Smith said the sisters’ on-court chemistry was a highlight of the early rounds, and she expected it to only get better.
“Sera-Lee’s a different style of player,” she said.
“She’s very composed and she just brings a whole different element to our team.
“We like the combination of her and her sister so she’ll probably cement a spot in the goal shooting circle this year, and then come out to goal attack when we need her.
“The combination of the two of them, they really complement each other.
“I’m excited to see what the combination can become by the end of the season.”
Leprechauns sit in third place on the ladder after defeating Cutters 54-34 in Round 3 on Wednesday night.
McPhee-Smith said she was impressed with her side’s composure after they had a scare in the second quarter.
“We trialled a few different things and the Cutters beat us by three that quarter,” she said.
“That was probably more of a coaching error, just making so many changes.
“But, credit to the girls, they came out with real purpose, executed well and were able to finish strongly.”