Cairns Netbal: Phoenix Fierce take out Sharks to climb to top spot
The Phoenix Fierce sent a message to Cairns Netball Association Senior Division 1 defending premiers Sharks with a gritty 43-38 win on Wednesday night.
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The Phoenix Fierce sent a message to Cairns Netball Association Senior Division 1 defending premiers Sharks with a gritty 43-38 win on Wednesday night.
The reigning titleholders needed no time to warm up, starting the match with their trademark intensity and scoring five straight goals to take an early lead.
The Fierce looked daunted by the occasion as they slumped to a six-goal deficit at quarter time, but overcame their nerves in a defiant second stanza.
The decision to shift shooters Cayla George and Salmui Whap-Farrar to the defensive end proved a masterstroke for coach Naomi Moke, as the Fierce won the quarter 15-7 to take the lead at halftime.
Co-captain Akayla Peterson was elusive at centre, finding space in all corners of the court and taking a number of uncontested possessions to put her side on the attack.
In a frantic final term, the Fierce had to withstand a late comeback from Sharks, with George making some crucial stops at the defensive end.
The win bumps Sharks into second place, with the Fierce now sitting on top of the Senior Division 1 ladder.
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Fierce aim to knock Sharks off Cairns Netball perch
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Saints go marching into men’s decider
RESULTS — ROUND 6
Saints 42 d Cutters 36
Fierce 43 d Sharks 38
Leps 51 d Tigers 22
Originally published as Cairns Netbal: Phoenix Fierce take out Sharks to climb to top spot