City West Falcons have continued to build with their fourth win of the Victorian Netball League championship division season.
The Falcons took on the Monash University Storm last week, keen to keep in touch with the top four and to make it two wins in a row.
After an even first half, the Falcons were in front by three goals at the main break.
Both sides were forced to make changes at half-time. It was the Falcons who adjusted the better, socring 18 goals to nine in the third quarter opening up a match-winning lead. Final scores were 63-54.
Falcons coach Marg Lind said the key to the game was ensuring they were in form early when the Storm played their Suncorp Super Netball players.
“They had Kim Commane and Shae Brown playing,” she said. “One is a Melbourne Vixens player and one is a Collingwood player – so we knew it would be tough early while they were on the court.”
Falcons goal attack Steph Puopolo, a Melbourne Vixens training partner, was only allowed to play one half of the game.
That gave Tahnysha Salanoa the chance to play in her second straight game.
“Last time we had restrictions, we played her [Steph] in the first and last quarters and it didn’t work,” Lind said.
“We took the risk and ran her [Steph] for the first half and then introduced Tee [Salanoa].
“She played against Ballarat for a couple of quarters, but this is the first time she’s played with heat in the game.
“We’re trying to nurture her and introduce her slowly to build her confidence.”
Emily Post was another young player given an opportunity. She spent the whole game at centre, with Molly Jovic out injured.
Lind said Post, who wasn’t playing in her preferred position, worked herself into the game.
Kath Knott shot 43 goals from 48 attempts, while Salanoa shot 13 from 14.
Knott was awarded best on court for the second time this season. Defender Jacqui Newton and Lind were also good.
The Falcons are fourth on the ladder with four wins and two losses after six rounds.
Lind said they were happy with their situation, especially given they had one of the toughest draws to start the season.
“We’ve played all the teams in the top four,” she said.
“The ladder will start to sort itself out in the next few weeks. We’re starting to build.”
The Falcons made it three from three on Wednesday night, with the division 1 and under-19 teams also getting wins.
All teams are in the top four of their divisions.
