WA Sting in Good Early Form in 2011 ANL Season

The Western Australian Sting started its 2011 Australian Netball League campaign in Hobart last weekend with a win and a loss from its opening matches.

The Sting first played against the highly fancied NSW Waratahs, whose amaranthine reputation remained in tact, after the title favourites withstood a spirited WA challenge to outlast their opponents 68-57, after WA had forced the match to overtime.

The match was level pegging throughout the four quarters with neither side able to establish a decisive lead. The Sting was well lead by sisters Josie and Alicia Janz, whilst goal shooter Sarah East also proved a handful for the Waratahs defence.

With two minutes remaining in regulation time, the Sting were forced to bridge a three goal gap to force the opening round clash into extra-time, but were unfortunately unable to maintain the pressure in the crucial stages. NSW capitalised to extend out and claim an 11 goal win.

WA proved however it would be a match for any team in 2011, by bouncing back for a resounding 79-37 win over the Canberra Darters in their second match in Hobart. The Sting opened up an early 21-6 advantage against the Darters and never looked in danger of relinquishing that lead, dominant in each quarter.

The results have set up a crucial two match home campaign for the Sting in Perth this weekend, with WA set to host South Australia at Joondalup Arena on Saturday at 6:30pm, and the Victorian Fury on Sunday from 12pm.

WA netball fans are encouraged to get down and show their support for what is likely to shape WA’s 2011 ANL destiny.