Sting Miss Out on ANL Finals

The Western Sting has missed out on a semi-final berth in the 2013 Australian Netball League after falling to a 54-42 loss to the Victorian Fury in the final round.

The Sting needed to win both of its final matches to have any chance of progressing to the business end of the 2013 season but a 12 goal defeat first up to the Victorian outfit meant the Sting’s final encounter – a 68-38 win over Tasmania – was no more than consolation.

A tight first quarter gave the Sting hope in its match with the Fury, with neither able to shake off its opponent. Quarter time was reached at 12-11 in favour of the Western Australians before the Fury flexed its muscle in the second term to set up a three goal lead (27-24) that it would extend until the end.

In the match against the Tassie Spirit, a first quarter blitz from the Sting effectively ended the match as a contest, as quarter time was reached with an 11 goal lead. The Sting’s combination of talented youth and ANZ Championship experience proved too strong for the Tasmanian team, with the final margin of 30 goals reflecting WA’s dominance.

The ANL finals commence this weekend, with the undefeated Victorian Fury facing the reigning champions, Southern Force at Adelaide’s Netball SA Stadium. The second final from the same venue is between the Victorian Flames and the NSW Waratahs with the victors of both matches to face off in the grand final.