Reigning Champs Too Good for WA at 21/U Titles

South Australia’s quest for back-to-back 21/U titles got off to a perfect start after recording a 48-30 victory over Western Australia in the opening match at Netball SA Stadium.

It was a nervous start from both sides as the defensive circles dominated the first term. For WA, 197cm goal keeper and WAIS scholarship holder Annika Lee-Jones was cool under pressure while her opposite number, Sarah Klau, kept the WA shooters at bay in the first term.

After a tight first half of netball, it was SA who led 20-17.

The third quarter began much like the first two, with SA holding a slim advantage and WA keeping itself in the game.

WA introduced the youngest player at these championships, in 17-year-old WAIS athlete Sophie Garbin, and she started well at GS, nailing her first two attempts, but with 15 minutes to play, SA had established a six-goal advantage and showed in the final quarter, why it is the reigning champions, with a masterclass display.

With the SA defence standing up for 60 minutes, its attacking end began converting chances and extended their final advantage to 18 goals.

Klau was outstanding for the home team in the GK bib, while Altmann and Abernethy were consistent options in the midcourt.

Before going off injured, Cosh was fantastic for WA while WAIS scholarship holder Ingrid Colyer was a dynamic presence in the middle. A 15-3 final quarter by SA sends an ominous warning to the other competing states, signalling its hunger to claim back-to-back titles is alive and well.

-NetballAustralia