Capricorn Claws win opening three games in Ruby North netball series

The Capricorn Claws proved to be the comeback queens, overcoming deficits in their three games to make a magical start to the Ruby North netball series. Here’s our look at the big talking points including a teen star’s stunning debut.

The Capricorn Claws won their three games in Round 1 of the Ruby North series at the weekend.

Awesome individual efforts on both ends of the court and a dream debut highlighted the Capricorn Claws stunning return to elite-level netball.

The team made a spectacular return to competition at the weekend, scoring a clean sweep in Round 1 of the Ruby North series played at Rockhampton’s CQUniversity.

The Claws stormed home despite trailing at three quarter time in their two opening fixtures against North Queensland United (58-51) and the Mackay Monarchs (55-53) on Saturday.

They also overcame a first-quarter deficit in their third fixture to win 51-47 against Far North Flames on Sunday.

Talented trio

Goal attack/shooter Kaylee Acton was judged Players’ Player in the first two games, while goal defence Abbie Buchholz took the honours in the third.

Kaylee Acton (left) and Abbie Buchholz lead the way for the Capricorn Claws in Round 1 of the Ruby North series.

Coach Anna Young praised the outstanding duo, as well as 16-year-old Charlotte Thomas who made a big impression on debut.

“Kaylee was just so calm under pressure. She just does her thing; she has a job to do and she just does it,” she said.

“Abbie is relentless in her work ethic, those repeated efforts. She aims to do exactly what you ask and she’s so steady.

Capricorn Claws' player Charlotte Thomas.

“Charlotte had a debut dreams are made of. She came on as an impact wing attack and completely changed both games on Saturday, playing smart netball well beyond her years and experience.”

Claws’ character

Young was impressed by the desire and determination within the playing group, despite the scoreboard pressure.

“They’ve got fight, that never give up attitude,” she said.

“I was pretty confident going in that we would have a good showing.

The Capricorn Claws were unbeaten on their home court in Round 1 of the Ruby North series.

“I knew that we would go out and be able to put some of our plays in and we did that.

“We’d set up things based on the opposition players that we knew and they worked.

“This was a perfect start.”

Brilliant bench

Young said the Claws’ bench was incredible.

“They were ready to go and really engaged in each game,” she said.

“It didn’t matter who was on the bench, they went out and performed in any position.

“It was like they were on the court with their support.”

Key contributors

Young said Madi Day and Bianca Gibson combined well with Buchholz to create an imposing defensive unit.

“Kerrie Williams was rock-solid through the mid-court and Annie Lawrie was great. I threw her into wing attack, which she doesn’t play, because we needed height there and it made all the difference in that last game,” she said.

Next challenge

Young there would be several focus areas at training as the Claws prepare for Round 2 in Townsville on June 21-22.

“We know what we’re up against now,” she said.

“We definitely still have a long way to go to get to the standard we want to be at.

“One area we need to work on is our conversion rate. We turned over the ball so much. We need to treasure that ball when it’s in our possession.”