City West Falcons’ momentum in Victorian Netball League Championship division has been halted following a shock loss to Wilson Storage Southern Saints on Wednesday night.
Having won their previous three matches, the Falcons were looking to increase their hold on a spot in the top four.
But the Saints had other ideas as they looked to keep in touch with the top tier.
It was the Falcons who took a two-goal lead into quarter time, as the shooters from both sides shot at 100 per cent.
The Falcons increased their lead to three goals at the main break and by three quarter time looked to be in control leading by five goals.
The Saints saved their best for last, shooting 20 goals in the final quarter to turn the five goal deficit into a four goal win, 65-61, despite perfect shooting from the Falcons in the last.
Kath Knott shot 45 goals from 48 attempts, including three quarters shooting at 100 per cent. Steph Puopolo shot 16 goals at goal attack. As a combination they shot at 93 per cent across the game.
The Saints also finished the game with 93 per cent accuracy.
Molly Jovic, who returned to the side after missing the last two weeks, was the Falcons best and was awarded the two votes. Defender Jacqueline Newton was also good for the Falcons.
Despite the loss, the Falcons remain in fourth spot with a 5-3 record, now just percentage ahead of Boroondara Express and one game clear of the Saints.
It wasn’t all bad for the Falcons with their division 1 and under-19 sides both recording wins. In division 1, the Falcons led from start to finish in the 60-53 win against the Saints.
The Falcons held a 10 goal lead at both half time and three quarter time.
Falcons’ Tharjini Sivalingan shot 30 from 31 attempts to lead the goal scorers on court.
Midcourter Toni Lind was best on court.
In the under-19s, it was an even first half before the Falcons shot away in the second half to win 51-40.
Both teams put up the same number of shots, but the Falcons missed just two shots, compared to the Saints 13.
Madelyn Gray continued her good form with 29 goals from 30 attempts, while Freya Langston was best on court.
Next week the Falcons have two games in three days. Firstly they face the Ariels on Wednesday night before backing it up on Friday when they travel to Geelong to take on Geelong Falcons.
