Sapphire Series live: QUT Netball v Tigers face off Sunday

QUT Netball faced off against the Carina Leagues Club Tigers in the Sapphire Series netball today and we were there to livestream all the action. WATCH THE REPLAY.

QUT Netball delivered a comfortable win at Nissan Arena against the Carina Leagues Club Tigers in a hard-fought battle at all ends.

The fourth and seventh ladder-position battle was near even in possession, but QUT’s persistent defence and conversion ability earned them a hard fought win against a never-say-die Tigers side.

With Aleesha Adams-Te Haara away, QUT’s goal shooter bib was filled by regular reserve shooter Sopolemalama Tuitama-Alsop and ex-Bull Sharks player Ella Bertaccini.

Bertaccini took the court halfway through play and injected a similar style of movement as Adams-Te Haara, making it an easy change for Reilley Batcheldor of which to adapt.

The Tigers struggled to find their best shooting circle, starting with resident goal attack Amy Sommerville before bringing on previous Ruby player Tash Robinson.

After a rusty start, Tigers’ goal shooter Tiata Baldwin was a strong target for their midcourt to hit, keeping them alive in a back and forth battle.

But, it was the hard efforts of Lenora Misa, Lily Gribble and Danielle Taylor in QUT’s defensive line that cause the Tigers to keep continually rotate their seven in an attempt to match QUT’s skill.

Firebird training partners Hulita Veve and Reilley Batcheldor took to the court for QUT netball and Mia Stower and Macy Gardner played for the Cougars in the Sapphires Series. Picture: Netball Queensland

QUT Coach Paula Stuart was not impressed by her teams fading last-stanza performance, calling for a more invigorated effort from her side as the team lost the final quarter by one.

“I’m happy if the team plays well, so if the team drops off momentum that’s when I’m not happy. I like to see the team finish strong, and I felt the team were a bit lazy,” Stuart said.

While the change of goal shooter was initially a challenge, Stuart was pleased with the performance of newcomer Ella Bertaccini.

“We met her (Bertacinni) 45 minutes before the game – that was one thing that was fantastic.”

What should we expect when QUT take on the Jets next week?

With regular starting goal shooter Adams-Te Haara away, QUT’s attacking side were not their usual slick selves, but with their winning combination back for next week, fans should expect to see a more aggressive QUT attack end.

Young-gun Dakota Newson will likely start for the team, with mum Keisha Grant travelling to New Zealand to introduce her parents to her young bub for the first time.

Don’t underestimate this young 15-year-old however, who has the game confidence of a player well beyond her years.

Where does this leave the Tigers this season?

With three loses and a draw it’s been a perhaps disappointing start to the Tigers’ season, but coach Erin Byrnes is not disheartened.

“The goal is to keep everybody positive about what’s happening. I think we’ve got real potential to do well,” Byrnes said.

With an unexpected unavailability of shooters, the Tigers’ have played a different shooter each round – a difficult task for any team to adapt to.

However, once ex ANZ Championship player Abigail Latu-Meafou settles in under the post, the Tigers will have a very formidable forward line.

Catch more HART Sapphire Series action next week when the Bond University Bull Sharks take on the Wildcats on Saturday at 5pm, Nissan Arena.

PREVIEW:

QUT Netball are eyeing off a hat trick this weekend following two strong weeks on the court, as Carina Leagues Club Tigers claw back form.

Tigers head coach Erin Byrnes said the largely new team was starting to solidify despite being yet to log a win on the board.

“We’re still building connections, I fell like were getting better each week.

“We’ve got a lot of new players and we’re still finding the connection.”

She said Alice Mulga remained a top performer while ex-Queensland Fusion name Jada Gafa was recovering well after a pre-season injury.

“Last week she played the majority of the game and she’s starting to find more form,” Byrnes said.

Netballer Jada Gafa. Photo: Netball Queensland

“You can just see, once she finds her stride and we make a few more connections on court, she’s going to be hard to stop.”

“We’re not focusing on the opposition, we’ve got to do better ourselves.

She said as the weeks progressed, consistency would be key.

“We had some really good moments out on court and it’s about pulling together for the full 60.

“Things haven’t gone out way the last couple of weeks an they’re really keen to get out and be better.”

Meanwhile QUT head coach Paula Stuart said her team, which currently sits at number three on the ladder, had a “few little niggles” this week.

“Hopefully everything will be fine for the weekend,” she said, however hinted at a possible absence.

Tigers youngster Alice Mauga. Picture: Sunburst Studio

She said while the side had performed well in past games — clocking up two wins from three games, only falling victim to reigning premiers Cougars in round one — “we’re still not being consistent throughout every quarter”.

“One thing I was pleased about was that we had three players that haven’t played in the series before, to give them a good run in the Sapphire Series was really good for them.”

“one thing that I like to have as a team is ask what do we want to achieve as an individual, as a unit and as a team — we’re on track and were liking what we’re seeing at this present time but it’s early in the season.”