Tara Murray
A Jane Cook shooting masterclass has helped an understrength City West Falcons to a big win against the Peninsula Waves in the Victorian Netball League championship.
The Falcons were without three starters in the battle between top and bottom, but it meant little with the Falcons coming away with an 89-51 win.
The Falcons went into the game with Uneeq Palavi, who is still with the Sydney Swifts having made her Suncorp Super Netball debut.
Montana Holmes, who also made her SSN debut, was again on standby for the Melbourne Mavericks.
Maggie Lind and Lucia Fauonuku both missed with injury.
The Falcons depth was on show, while they bought up Kahlan Tanoi, from the under-23s, and Matilda McIntyre, from the under-19s, for their championship debuts.
Falcons coach Marg Lind said it was a nice win and a good chance to rest some players.
“It was a good chance to expose a couple of the young ones,” she said.
“Matilda got a run from the 19s and Kahlan only got two quarters in the 23s, so giving her a bit more opportunity and getting the older girls around them a bit.
“They were really happy, grateful and I think it’s good for them to experience the vibe in the championship and see what it’s all about.”
Cook was the standout for the Falcons putting up 86 goals from as many attempts.
Lind said she thinks that’s the highest score Cook has put up in her life.
Without some of the other leaders, Cook shone from the front.
“Finding something that motivates everyone is a key and Jane wants to win the hot shot,” Lind said.
“It was a good opportunity to do it and a good opportunity to embrace something with some of the new players of the club and she was good.
“Chelsea [Imansani], Olivia [Cameron] and Genna [Ogier] were good out the front too. I think that is what our club is about, making sure all the young ones are included and feeling like they are valued.
“Jane was really good with her leadership.”
With a big lead, the Falcons took the chance to rest more of their stars in the second half.
They also tried Ogier in goal defence for the first time this season.
Lind said she liked what she saw.
“She actually made a state team as a defender,” she said. “I thought she looked natural there.
“She said she hasn’t played there for a while but we wanted to have a look and I thought she was pretty good there.
“She said her anticipation was slightly off but that is because she hasn’t played there for a while.
“With a bit of time I think she could be quite good there.”’
It was a frustrating night for the Falcons under-23s, losing to the Waves, 50-42.
Lind said they lacked a bit of leadership and it was a pretty disappointing performance.
The Falcons were back in action on Sunday against the North East Blaze, after deadline.
This week they face Melbourne University Lightning on Wednesday night.
