Mixed results for NSWIS netball athletes

It was a weekend of mixed fortunes for NSWIS netball players as the Sydney Swifts suffered their first loss of the ANZ Championship, while the Netball NSW (NNSW) Waratahs were undefeated in the opening round of the 2016 Australian Netball League (ANL). 

After beating the West Coast fever last week, the Swifts were tasked with taking on reigning champions, the undefeated Queensland Firebirds, however finished with a 51-61 loss to the hosts. 

Despite the defeat, the Swifts produced a strong third quarter, an encouraging sign for NSWIS athlete and team captain Kimberlee Green. 

“We had patches of brilliance where we were able to play our natural game by moving the ball quickly and catching their defence out of position. But at the end of the day we need to be consistent and be able to play that way for 60 minutes,” Green said. 

Meanwhile the NNSW Waratahs have returned home from round one of the ANL undefeated with a win and a draw to their name after two games against the Queensland Fusion. 

Saturday’s opener saw NSW claim a 22-goal victory, before a tough Sunday encounter had the Waratahs come from behind to seal a 51-51 draw. The result was pleasing for coach Briony Akle, who highlighted the performance of young NSWIS player Teigan O’Shannassy, who made her ANL debut. 

“I thought Teigan was sensational today. For someone so young [17/Under], she looked right at home on court. She did a great job up against Beryl [Queensland Firebird Beryl Friday], who is a really athletic, mobile shooter. It’s great to see young NSW athletes taking their opportunities and making the most of it, which Teigan certainly did today,” Akle concluded.

Both the Swifts and the Waratahs will play their next round at home, with the former up against the Central Pulse at Sydney Olympic Park. The latter will take on the Canberra Darters at Show Court on Saturday; they will then follow the Swifts on Sunday for their second game.