Live stream: Contax v Matrics, Netball SA Premier League, Round 1

A refreshed Matrics wanted to bounce back from last season’s grand final loss to Contax. See how they fared in two REPLAYS from a mouth-watering Round 1 double header.

Powerhouse Contax combination Kayla Graham and Sophie Agostino have put on a scoring clinic, but it was the superb defensive effort from the reigning premiers which set the standard in their dominant victory against a misfiring Matrics.

The grand final replay was billed as Matrics’ big chance to avenge last year’s defeat.

Instead, it was a brutal reminder that they have a lot of work ahead of them if they are to bridge the gap to Contax in the Netball SA Premier League.

The fact that Matrics could only manage 11 goals in the second half emphasised the stunning defence by Contax and underlined how much Kimberley Hearnden and fellow goalscorer Emily Sibley were overawed by the big occasion.

Contax won every quarter with Agostino top scoring with 25 goals, while Graham finshed with 21. Jordi Vidmar chimed in with seven when Agostino was rested in the final quarter.

But it was the defensive deeds of Chelsea Blackman, Molly Watson and Tabitha Packer where the real damage was done.

The final margin was a whopping 26 goals, but the 53-27 scoreline was arguably flattering, with Contax taking the foot off the accelerator in the final five minutes.

Two marvellous intercepts from defenders Blackman and Watson set the standard in the first quarter. Packer also made her presence felt in the backline with some superbly timed leaps. Their ability to shadow and restrict Hearden and Sibley allowed Contax to take a five-goal lead to the first break.

A 12-8 second quarter pushed out the score to 25-16 and a nine-point lead at halftime. But it was the third where Contax blew the contest apart (41-18).

REPLAY

Contax v Matrics (firsts)

Watch the full replay in the window above.

Contax v Matrics (reserves)

Agostino’s superb footwork was simply too much for the Matrics defence. And with Agostino working perfectly in tandem with goal attack Kayla Graham, Contax exerted total control over the contest.

Any hopes of the Matrix finding their rhythm and reducing the deficient after the break were dashed as Contrax scored five unanswered goals.

Such was their dominance that it was almost five minutes into the quarter before Matrics troubled the scorekeepers. To make matters worse, they would only trouble them one more time for the quarter.

Eliza Hunter was another who was instrumental in Contax’s domination across the court, but they had winners everywhere.

Contax coach Leanne Eichler said going into the contest that her team was not focused on last year’s grand final result and would look to add a new chapter of success in 2024.

If their opening triumph is any indication, the next chapter could be one for the ages.

Contax later won the reserves match by two goals, taking out an entertaining contest 39-37.

PREVIEW

Matrics’ new Premier League head coach says her side is pumped and ready to go ahead of their major round one grand final rematch against Contax on Friday night.

The club went down to its modern rival 53-41 in last year’s big dance and will be eager to bounce back, but coach Amanda Shattock said last year’s loss was not the main motivator this week.

All the action from Friday night’s Premier League and Reserves double header will be streamed LIVE and EXCLUSIVE on The Advertiser website and KommunityTV from 7pm.

“The girls are very pumped. They’re going into this game to win and we expect to win, that’s our attitude,” Shattock said.

Amanda Shattock (right) will take over as the new Matrics coach this season. Picture: Netball SA

“We see Contax as the benchmark, they’ve got so much experience and their depth is strong as well, so it’s going to be a really good test to see how we stack up and what we need to work on.

“We definitely learned things last year as coaches and players but that result is not what’s driving us.

“We want to be a bit of a different team this year with more versatility and depth and the only way we can build that is through experience so we’re looking forward to Friday night.”

Shattock has plenty of winning experience under her belt having hoisted the Netball SA reserves trophy several times as coach at Matrics.

The mentor said she had embraced the chance to take over as head coach and was looking forward to the challenge of competing this season.

With the loss of star goaler Lauren Frew to the Thunderbirds, a year after the departure of Lucy Austin, Shattock believed she would need to focus on the attacking end of the floor.

Matrics star Tyler Orr will be one to watch this Friday. Picture: On the Ball Media/Netball SA

“We definitely have looked at our goal circle after losing Lucy Austin and Lauren Frew, it leaves a big hole but there are a few options we have there and some up and coming players we can look to,” she said.

“I’ve found coaching the team really enjoyable so far and there have been some learnings but I’ve been open that I’m not going to be perfect and I think that’s been the message to the team as well, that mistakes can happen but if we can keep the communication up and stick to what we’ve practised we’ll be ok.

“We’re all really excited after the pre-season and ready to go for Friday but we also know one round doesn’t define a team and we won’t get too excited if we win or hang our heads if we lose.”

Contax coach Leanne Eichler also said her team was not focused on last year’s grand final result and would look to add a new chapter of success in 2024.

Contax celebrates its 2023 grand final win over Matrics. Picture: On the Ball Media/Netball SA

“It’s all in the past now and we’re focused on what we want to achieve with this playing group,” she said.

“We’ve got some good young players coming through and pushing the experienced players so there’s a good mix there at the moment and we feel we’re in a really good spot.”

The reigning premier will be without star defender Jessie Grenvold after joining the Mavericks in Super Netball but will see the return of versatile defender Molly Watson.

Eichler was confident her side could get a result on Friday and go far in season 2024.

“We’ve had great preparation and the group has come together well.

“We always respect the talent Matrics has got and we’re looking forward to another great game.

“A win would be big for us but how we play will be important as well. We want to go out there and stamp our authority.”

Originally published as Live stream: Contax v Matrics, Netball SA Premier League, Round 1