Sting Win Two Matches in Busy ANL Schedule

The Western Sting has won two of three weekend Australian Netball league matches in Perth as the 2013 competition begins to take shape.

The Sting suffered a first up defeat to the Queensland Fusion on Friday night, before bouncing back to defeat the Canberra Darters on Saturday, followed by a significant win over the reigning champions, the Southern Force on Sunday.

A tight first half was blown apart in the third quarter in Friday’s clash, with a four goal lead extended to a match winning 49-37 margin at the final stage.

Despite strong performances from Lindal Rohde (WAIS), Sarah East (WAIS) and Lisa Millman, the Fusion ran out winners, 68-50.

The Western Sting bounced back fiercely to beat the Canberra Darters 73-33 in their second match of the Perth round.

Defender Andrea Gilmore (WAIS) and centre Lindal Rohde suffocated the Darters attack and fed the ball back to their attacking circle and didn’t disappoint, with shooters Sarah East and Ellie Smart finishing off at 94 percent shooting efficiency for the quarter and leading their side to a 17-10 lead at quarter time.

The Sting stretched out the lead through each quarter, running out eventual 73-33 victors.

The best was saved for last however, with the Sting recording a one goal win (48-47) over defending champions Southern Force.

The Force appeared set for victory in the second term after establishing a five goal buffer over their hosts, but following some inspired defensive work from Alice Coakley (WAIS) and Andrea Gilmore, the Sting was able to keep in touching distance, before hitting the lead in the final quarter.

The two wins over the weekend keeps the Sting’s finals chances very much alive.