Live stream: Jets v Titans, Thunder v Wildcats - Sapphire Series, Round 7
Ipswich Jets have consolidated their place at the top of the table after taking care of the Gold Coast Titans, while Sunshine Coast Thunder showed they mean business. Watch the full REPLAYS.
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The Ipswich Jets have rebounded from a fierce third-quarter fightback by the Gold Coast Titans to get the points in round seven of the Sapphire Netball Series.
The undefeated Jets always appeared to be in control on the scoreboard, but the Titans refused to lie down despite slipping behind.
It was only in the final few minutes that the 54-43 result blew out beyond double figures.
Earlier, Sunshine Coast Thunder recovered from a six-goal deficit in the first half to smash the Brisbane South Wildcats in a whirlwind finish.
Taking the lead in the third quarter, the Thunder put the foot down in the final quarter to blow apart the contest and cruise to a 16-goal victory.
It was a telling 67-51 win and further underlined Thunder’s presence as a genuine title contender.
But for Wildcats, it was a bitter blow after surrendering an early lead and continued their run of outs since Round 2.
REPLAYS
Ipswich Jets v Gold Coast Titans
Watch the full replay in the window above.
Sunshine Coast Thunder v Brisbane South Wildcats
PREVIEW
Ipswich Jets coach Paula Stuart is racing the clock to find a suitable rehabilitation facility as the Sapphire Series frontrunners prepare for a tough double dose this weekend.
The Jets will clash with rivals Gold Coast Titans in a top-of-the-table showdown on Saturday, before backing it up the following day with an early afternoon clash on the Sunshine Coast on Sunday.
While her focus should be on making sure the side is ready for the Titans on the court, Stuart admitted she had spent a fair bit of brainpower sorting out the off-court.
The Jets-Titans showdown on Saturday will be part of a huge Sapphire Series live stream double header on KommunityTV from 4pm. Check out the schedule below.
Stuart said the short turnaround for her girls, with only 19 hours between games, had been a cause for concern around preparation and player welfare.
“We’re trying to find a recovery centre to help our players,” Stuart said.
“I am, as a coach, very concerned about the players’ welfare regarding less than a 24-hour turnaround and having to travel.”
Stuart said a number of clubs had initially petitioned Netball Queensland to alter the draw when it was first released to exclude double headers on the grounds of player welfare, but complaints went unanswered.
“We’re looking at how to support our players,” she said. “(We’re) looking at recovery and food, to make sure we’re doing the best we can to help.”
While Stuart manages concerns off-court and adjusts the week’s training to accommodate more rest, she said she was aware that the Titans would come out firing Saturday night.
Young goal shooter Tia Crombie will be a major boost for the Gold Coast after she was missing at World Cup trials in the Cook Islands last week.
Stuart highlighted the rising star as one the Jets would have to pay close attention too inside the shooting circle.
“Tia is one that has always been up-and-coming so it’s good to see her up in the Sapphire level,” Stuart said.
“Lily (Gribble) has been working really hard on different strategies for different shooters and how they hold.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the work she has put in and how she goes against Tia.”
After being pushed all the way to a thrilling 66-66 draw by the Bond University Bull Sharks last weekend, Stuart believed they could be in for much of the same against the other Glitter Strip side.
“I would actually say it’s going to be a tight game all the way to the end,” Stuart said.
“The two-point shot will be what makes or breaks a team.
“We’ll look at how to contain their two pointers, but we can’t leave the singles astray either.
“It will be shoot-off battle, and whoever does the best in that area will win the game.”
The curtain raiser to Jets v Titans on Saturday will feature the Sunshine Coast Thunder (3rd) against the sixth-placed Brisbane South Wildcats.
It’s the first time the two sides have met this season, with the Thunder determined to bounce back in a big way after a 21-goal loss to the Titans last weekend.
The Wildcats have not won since Round 2, but they have spent little time on court in recent weeks with postponed games and byes adding up.
Originally published as Live stream: Jets v Titans, Thunder v Wildcats - Sapphire Series, Round 7
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