Sting Split the Points in Opening Round

In their opening two games of the Australian Netball League the Western Sting have walked away having split the points with the Southern Force, each team recording a win.

Their first match, on Saturday the 18th of February, was one for the memory bank after the Sting made an excellent come back from being nine goals down at half time.

 After being behind one goal at quarter time, the Force pulled away in the second quarter taking advantage of every opportunity that came their way.

The third quarter saw the Sting’s defensive efforts intensify in all areas of the court.

Following the lead of Jessica Penny and WAIS athlete, Natalie bright in the back end, the Western Australians took several turnovers capitalizing on every opportunity.

At the final break the Sting had achieved a 13 goal turn around, having outscored their opponents 20 to 8.

Despite their opponents best efforts the Western Australian side were not taking their foot off the pedal, pushing ahead to finish the game eight goals in front.

Having won game one, the Sting would be looking to make it a clean sweep and take a second victory in game two on Sunday.

The Sting saw deja vu in their second game against the Force, once again finding themselves behind early in the game.

Following a loss from the day before the South Australian side hit back hard taking a 12 goal lead at first quarter time.

After regrouping for the second quarter the Sting wee able to regain control, pulling back to within three goals at one point before sitting six goals down at the final break.

The final quarter saw the two sides go goal for goal for the majority before the Force pulled away in the final five minutes, securing an 11 goal victory.

At the conclusion of the round Head Coach Michelle Wilkins said “while we obviously need to make stronger starts I think there is a lot to like from both performances, particularly the manner in which the team fought their way back into each game.”

“This group has come together very well and I admire their commitment to our program, which is obvious in both their training and preparation, so I think that will hold us in good stead across the season.”

The Sting have now returned to Perth where they will begin their preparations for Round Two against the Canberra GIANTS this weekend in Sydney.