City West Falcons storm home for a win

City West Falcons Jacqui Newton
Jacqui Newton returned to the court on Wednesday night. Picture Shawn Smits.

By Lance Jenkinson

City West Falcons went toe-to-toe with Geelong Cougars for the first time since they met in last year’s Victorian Netball League championship grand final.

The Falcons won in a tight and tense battle on that occasion and history repeated on Wednesday night with the Falcons emerging with a 62-56 win in a similarly hard-fought encounter at the State Netball and Hockey Centre.

Falcons goal shooter Jane Cook showed her excellence in the attacking circle again with 60 goals from 72 attempts. Cook took all but four of the Falcons goal attempts in a dominant display.

In a bonus for the Falcons, defender Jacqui Newton returned to the court for the first time this season, playing a half in defence.

The Falcons weren’t expecting to see her until later in the season.

The Marg Lind-coached City West has improved to 3-0 on the season to share the top of the ladder with the North East Blaze.

The Falcons division 1 side had a 56-48 win against the Cougars, with the under-19s lost 51-37.

The City West Falcons will host Peninsula Waves at the SNHC on Wednesday night.