WITH Round 1 of the Australian Netball League done and dusted the Tasmanian Magpies and Victorian Fury mirrored the performance of their Suncorp Super Netball counterparts. The Fury claimed two big wins while the Western Sting fought back to win against the Territory Storm after falling to them in the first match of the round.

Netball NSW Waratahs (53) defeated Southern Force (52)

It was a nail biter to kick start Round 1 of the ANL with the Waratahs claiming a one goal victory. Both sides went hard throughout the game with the Southern Force taking a five goal lead going into half time but they could not maintain that intensity gradually fading away. The Waratahs piled on 14 goals to eight in the third term to keep themselves in the game credit to goal attack Kelly Singleton who was prolific under the post scoring 10 goals. She finished with 32 from 36 for the game with an equal game high of 89 percent accuracy. Abbey McCulloch also made her way onto the court in the second half of the game and was her vintage self, working tirelessly in defence and helping out in transition down the court. The Force shooters were accurate to post with Asha Thurlow nailing 22 of her 25 attempts while Lucy Austin had a hot hand scoring nine from nine.

Victorian Fury (64) defeated Canberra GIANTS (45)

The Victorian Fury came out with a point to prove with Emma Ryde proving an unstoppable force under the ring. Her accuracy to post was impressive missing one of her 52 shots for the match sitting at a whopping 99%. She put up a huge 20 goals in the final term showcasing her commanding presence in the circle and sheer ability to score quickly and easily. Jacqui Newton was also solid in defence moving between goal defence and goal keeper for the Fury using her ability to read the flight of the ball to interrupt the GIANTS attacking play. For the GIANTS Georgia Marshall was impressive in the goal circle moving well and nailing 32 goals for the game pairing well with goaling partners Angelina Frketic and Madeline Eaton.

Queensland Fusion (50) defeated by Tasmanian Magpies (70)

The reigning premiers showcased their class from the minute they walked out on court but a big third quarter sealed the deal with the Magpies piling on 20 goals to eight. They maintained that intensity for the rest of the match with the Fusion unable to combat their offensive power. Magpies shooting duo Jane Cook and Samantha Gooden combined well in attack with Cook nailing 32 goals from 33 at 97 percent. She posed a real threat in the goal circle while wing attack Vanessa Augustini provided some well, constructed passes into the circle. Tara Hinchliffe’s sister, Maddison made her presence felt through the midcourt alternating between wing attack and centre. Amy Sommerville was solid under the post with 11 goals from 14 attempts while Mia Stower top scored with 16 goals for the Fusion. Defensively veteran Laura Clemesha got some court time combining with Leah Middleton and Shenae Grant.

Western Sting (44) defeated by Territory Storm (60)

The first half was neck and neck with the Storm holding a five-goal lead before piling on 30 goals in the second half compared to the Sting’s 22 to run out 16 point victors. The Storm really built in the game with their connections down the court improving as the game went on, with the Sting unable to stop them. Lucinda Benjamin was prolific under the post with 51 goals from her 57 attempts, she was ably helped out by Binnian Hunt who scored eight goals. The Sting shooters were starved of opportunity but Emma Cosh tried hard and presented up the ball but failed to capitalise at times sitting at 64 percent only managing 21 goals from her 33 attempts. Jessica Penny and Natalie Bright worked tirelessly all game in defence to try and nullify the influence of the Storm shooters but the proved to be too much.

Netball NSW Waratahs (58) defeated by Southern Force (61)

The tables turned in their second game with the Southern Force clenching a three goal win, after going going down by a goal in their previous match up. The Force scored 18 goals in the second term after being held to nine goals in the opening term with Matisse Letherbarrow taking ownership in that quarter with her clever positioning and accuracy putting on 13 goals. Letherbarrow finished with 38 goals from 44 attempts at 87 percent she was able assisted by Sophie Dwyer who slotted 12 goals at 100 percent. The Southern Force shared the shooting load around with wing attack Georgia Dent scoring six goals straight while Thurlow also had a hot hand with 14 goals. The defensive effort of Chelsea Blackman and Vivian Jordan was solid with both applying strong pressure on the ball carrier and over the shot.

Queensland Fusion (61) defeated by Tasmanian Magpies (68)

The Queensland Fusion seemed to have learnt from their mistakes in the previous game, coming out a lot stronger and attacking the ball. They increased their pressure across the court not allowing an easy pass but it did not stop the Magpies who powered home to a seven goal win. Cook was prolific for the Magpies piling on 56 goals showcasing her ability to turn and shoot and take control of a game. Gooden and Zoe Claridge both chipped in the scoreboard with nine and three goals respectively. For the Fusion Stower was impressive with 20 goals finding space and showing she was not afraid to turn and shoot while the midcourters worked hard to move the ball down the court with Jada Gafa finding good space.

Western Sting (47) defeated Territory Storm (43)

After getting blown away in their first match-up the Western Sting won a thriller after being down at half time. They were shell shocked early only managing eight goals to the Storm’s 14 but fought back to keep themselves in the contest. An impressive final term saw them seal the deal with the likes of Georgia Pitt nailing nine goals from 10 attempts standing up under pressure. Defenders Sunday Aryang, Bright and Penny all upped the anti to try and win the ball back for their side. Benjamin’s influence was nullified under the post but she still scored 23 goals while the work through the midcourt of Chanel Dyer and Stephanie O’Brien was good in helping to bring the ball down court.

Victorian Fury (61) defeated Canberra GIANTS (48)

The Victorian Fury impressed against the GIANTS who had no answers for their attacking prowess and strong defensive pressure.

We attended this game if you want the match report follow the link.