Sting Seize ANL Bronze Medal

The Western Sting have rounded out the 2016 Australian Netball League campaign with a bronze medal after defeating the Southern Force 68-60 in the third place playoff in Sydney.

The WA side built a match winning lead across the second and third quarters following a tense opening, and managed to withstand a couple of Force momentum shifts to secure a fifth bronze medal at ANL level.

Sting coach Michelle Wilkins said the group had earned its reward with a consistent approach in the playoff.

“I think it’s a really fitting outcome for the group,” she said.

“Today what I was most impressed with, was that we gave a four quarter effort.

“I know it’s cliché in sport and everyone’s striving for that four quarters, but today I thought all seven players on court delivered quality effort over four quarters,” Wilkins said.

“Our challenge now is to go from this level and build from it into the next campaign,” Wilkins said.

Both teams were guilty of turning the ball over early in the fast-paced game, however it would be the Sting with an early lead of three goals.

The teams took turns leading in the final minutes of the first quarter, but the Sting would finish with a one goal lead at the first break that they would hold to until the end of the match.

The margin was reduced by the Force in the third quarter, getting as close as four goals, however the Sting would finish the quarter with an eight goal lead.

The Force again were able to reduce the margin briefly in the last quarter, but it was ultimately in vain as the final score saw the Sting claim a 68 – 60 win.

WAIS scholarship athlete Sophie Garbin provided the x-factor for the Sting in the bronze medal win, scoring 59 goals from 66 attempts at 89 per cent for the match.

Annika Lee-Jones (WAIS) was influential at GK, whilst rising star Jess Anstiss (WAIS) was impressive for the Sting across the ANL and finals series.

In the gold medal match, Victoria Fury secured a fourth consecutive crown, defeating NSW Waratahs 53-46.