WAIS Netballers Make perfect Start to 2009 Campaign

The WAIS netball Team has opened with two wins in the Smarter than Smoking State Premier League.

WAIS met Rangers on Sunday May 3. It was the first game post Nationals for all players and it was always going to be a difficult one to work through both from a physical and mental sense.

Whilst it was notthe most free flowing game, WAIS did dominate court play throughout,with strong defensive play from Mia Washbourne and Sarah Tatam and consistent attack led by Lindal Rohde. WAIS ran out winners by 15 points.

In the second match, WAIS played against a full strength Perth Lions squad which included West Coast Fever member and WAIS scholarship holder, Jasmine Keene.

WAIS played a controlled and well paced game; Ellie Smart hit back well form a disappointing opening game to shoot 27/33 at 82% and was well supported by Sarah East, who shot 28/36 at 78%.

The WAIS defenders in Sarah Tatam and Mia Washbourne applied good pressure to the Lions Shooters and created numerous turnover opportunities. Lindal Rohde was again a consistent performer across four quarters linking defence to attack well.

WAIS won each of the first three quarters and held on in the last quarter to win by seven points.This week the WAIS squad will face the Falcons in what will be a keenly fought and physical contest.

In added WAIS related news, Kate Beveridge is in Perth this week as the Adelaide Thunderbirds have a bye in the ANZ Championship. Kate – who is a WAIS scholarship holder – will be running a session with the WAIS shooters this Friday which is fantastic for the young shooters.

The West Coast Fever, were unlucky in their latest ANZ Championship clash against the Queensland Firebirds last night, going down 56-53 having led by two goals at the third quarter break.

WAIS scholarship holders Caitlin Bassett, Susan Fuhrmann, Andrea Gilmore, Madison Browne and Shae Bolton all featured in the Fever’s narrow loss.