By Tara Murray
City West Falcons strong run of form has continued with the Falcons through to the Victorian Netball League championship preliminary final.
Having played in virtual elimination finals for the last month, the Falcons’ season was again on the on Wednesday night when they faced the Hawks in a knock out semi final.
But as they have in recent times, they have been able to take on every challenge, winning 61-48.
Falcons coach Marg Lind was a happy coach the following day. She said they didn’t expect to win by such a margin.
“It was fairly tight early,” she said.
“We held our own and stayed neck and neck with them. We got a break in the quarter.
“We let the ball go and were running with pace, and we’re hard to stop with a big target like Jane [Cook]. It was a good patch.
“They put Nat Billings into goal attack in the third quarter and got with in four. We were able to regroup and hold them off.”
Cook shot 57 goals from 59 attempts, while Tahnysha Salanoa shot four goals from five attempts.
Lind said their game plan centered around finding Cook close to the ring.
“Tee shot well despite her volume being quite low. She had more of a feeding role.
“Height wise they were unable to match it with Jane.”
The Falcons face Melbourne University Lightning on Sunday in the preliminary final.
The Lightning lost their semi final to Geelong Cougars, 58-44.
Lind said the Lightning weren’t at full strength in their semi final.
“They were on the court next to us. They had a couple of injuries and Danni Stewart didn’t play.
“They weren’t at their best form, but we expect them to be back at it on Sunday.
“We haven’t beaten them this year.”
Lind said they were at full strength. Molly Jovic copped a shin knock, but will be right for Sunday.
With the club’s under-19 side not in finals, Uneeq Palavi, Madelyn Gray and Imogen Sexton back in the championship squad, giving the coaching panel plenty of options.
Having said making finals was an overachievement this year, Lind said they were keen for their season to keep going.
“I’m stoked,” she said. “Last night there was no nerves as we were grateful to be there.
“The girls want to keep going further.”
