Magpies show fight in tight Fury showdowns

THE Tasmanian Magpies had a tough weekend suffering two losses at the hands of Victorian Fury in their Australian Netball League matches over the long weekend.

Despite the losses, Magpies are still guaranteed a spot in the finals and a chance to defend their 2018 Premiership.

Magpies suffered a heavy loss on Sunday going down 65-41, but yesterday’s match was much closer with Fury storming home in the last to steal the win 54-48.

Fury led from the front on Sunday and built every quarter taking a 16-13 lead into the first break, and a 31-21 lead at half time. The third quarter saw them extend again 46-30 before cruising home in the last to score the 24 goal victory. Tasmania’s Zanna Jodlowska battled hard at wing defence.

Yesterday’s match was a tighter contest with scores 12-12 at the first break. Fury took an early lead in the second term, but the Magpies were able to take a 25-24 lead into half time.

The Magpies continued their strong defensive work in the third to take a 39-36 lead into the final quarter, but Fury came out firing in the last piling on 18 goals to 9 to take the win.

Kelsie Rainbow worked hard at wing attack, supported by Brooke Allen at keeper and Melissa Bragg at wing defence.

Assistant coach Claire Dennis acknowledged a much improved performance but said accuracy remained a problem.