Sapphire Series R5 live stream: Bond University Bullsharks play Sunshine Coast Thunder (Sapphire Series & Ruby Series)
Beaten just 24 hours earlier, the Thunder get their Sapphire Series campaign back on track and inflict more pain on the competition’s only remaining winless team. See the REPLAYS.
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A 16-8 third quarter run proved the catalyst for Sunshine Coast Thunder to return to the winners’ list as Bond University Bullsharks’ wait for their first win of Sapphire Series season continues.
Beaten on Saturday by Ipswich Jets, the Thunder quickly turned a 28-26 halftime lead into a match-winning advantage, eventually taking the game 57-50.
The game was tight for the first two quarters before the hosts skipped clear early in the third quarter, eventually building a 10-goal lead turning for home.
They pushed their advantage out to 12 points twice early in the final quarter before the Bullsharks closed late to make the score more respectable.
Meanwhile, the Bullsharks picked up their second win of a busy Ruby Series weekend after beating the Thunder 42-34 in a low-scoring game.
The Bullsharks, who beat the Panthers by 24 goals on Saturday, trailed 18-15 at halftime but rallied in the second half to deny Thunder their first win of the season.
Sunshine Coast Thunder v Bond University Bullsharks (Ruby)
PREVIEW
After a bye on Saturday, Bond University Bullsharks resume their hunt for a first victory of the 2023 HART Sapphire Series when they travel to take on Sunshine Coast Thunder on Sunday.
While three consecutive losses to open the season is not what head coach Bec Stower had in mind, the Bullsharks are hopeful they can quickly turn things around.
And they will be hoping the encouraging development of shooter Kaylin Van Greunen in the big leagues continues. The 17-year-old has made a real impact. See more on her in the player to watch below.
Catch all the action from the Sapphire Series and Ruby Series double header on KommunityTV from 4.30pm on Sunday. See the live stream schedule below.
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Bullsharks head coach Bec Stower believes a debrief from last week’s game has highlighted what needs to change for her side.
“We’ve had a good look at ourselves after last week’s performance,” she said.
“Every game in the Sapphire Series is a tough game.”
That they have the bye the previous day should give them an advantage and Stower is keen to drive that home.
“It’s tough to go back to back with games at this level of netball,” she said.
“It can definitely be an advantage, but Thunder have depth in their team, too.”
Meanwhile, the Bullsharks Ruby squad play Barastoc Panthers on Saturday before backing up to face the Thunder.
With two losses and a win to their name, the Ruby girls are sitting just outside the top four.
“Our Ruby team has so much potential, it’s just about stringing it all together,” Stower said.
This weekend’s double header is expected to provide a boost to their position on the ladder.
“It will be good to see if they can get a good start and play with confidence,” Stower added.
MATCH-UP
Leilani Rohweder (Thunder) v Hannah Le Sage (Bond)
Easily the most anticipated match-up.
Rohweder made her Sapphire debut in 2022 and received the prestigious Katie Walker Medal.
After a stellar first year in the comp, it’s no wonder she’s back for round two.
Her hands over pressure and rebounding can put off even the best shooters in the league.
On the southern side, Le Sage has moved from Cougars to don the blue and gold.
To top the move, Le Sage was named captain of the Sapphire side - and it’s role she’s growing into nicely.
Her accuracy and ability to adapt to any shooting combo makes Le Sage a difficult player to stop.
Rohweder is goal defence and Le Sage in goal attack, now that’s a match-up we cannot wait to watch.
PLAYER TO WATCH
Kaylin Van Greunen (Bond)
Following the move to Bullsharks from Panthers for 2023, Van Greunen has continued to shine.
The 17-year-old made her Sapphire debut in round one - and certainly did not let the pressure get to her.
She has been a steady force under the post and is proving she belongs in the big leagues.
Coach Stower has been a strong supporter of Van Greunen, and continues to back the teenager’s talent.
“Her first two games were outstanding,” she said.
“The third game has been her toughest yet against Lily Gribble.
“We required a little bit of adjusting to get her taking that front space instead of holding, since her usual game is the style that Gribble likes to defend.”
The clash against the Thunder will be a test for the young gun as she goes up against the likes of Leilani Rohweder, Lily McClure and Jada Delaney.
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