Extra-time Required to Seperate WAIS and Sharks

The WAIS netball squad took on Premier League leaders the Coastal Sharks on Tuesday night, keen to avenge their disappointing performance from the previous week.

WAIS produced a vastly improved performance to take the form team into extra time before falling to a two point defeat (50-48). Despite the result, WAIS coach Michelle Wilkins was pleased with her squad’s response.

“It was a much more desperate and defensively committed performance by WAIS. The game was played goal for goal throughout, with the defence from both team dominating,” Wilkins adjudged.

WAIS appeared destined for a win with two minutes remaining in the final quarter, leading by three goals, but a number of unforced errors gave Coastal the opportunity to draw level.

Two seven minute quarters were played to decide the winner, with WAIS winning the first period but surrendering their lead to a late surge by the Coastal attack.

Wilkins praised the efforts of Alicia Janz, who produced a season best performance against the top of the table Sharks.

“Alicia Janz put in her best performance of the season at Wing Defence before running out of legs at the death, but she certainly created numerous intercepts through the middle of the court,” Wilkins said.

WAIS shooting statistics were down on previous conversion rates and the team missed a number of important rebound opportunities at the other end. Mia Washbourneand Alice Coakley were consistent performers, with Sarah East presenting strongly in the Shooting circle.

The following athletes head to Canberra this week for National under age camps: Mia Washbourne, Sarah East, Ellie Smart, Sarah Tatam and Sally Joynes.

WAIS scholarship holder Ash Neal was drafted into the West Coast Fever’s squad of 12 for last weekend’s match against the Waikato Magic. Neal – who plays for the Midland Demons in the WA Premier League – is likely to retain her spot in the squad for this week’s clash with Queensland Firebirds.