Live stream: Jets face Wildcats, Tigers play Titans in big Sapphire Series Round 11 double header

The high-flying Ipswich Jets have consolidated their position at top of the table in the Sapphire Series, but the Gold Coast Titans are keeping them within reach. Watch two full REPLAYS.

The Ipswich Jets have stretched their lead at the top of the Sapphire Netball Series with comfortable victory over the struggling Brisbane South Wildcats.

Slowly away, the Jets really didn’t hit their straps until late in the third quarter when they lit up from the two-point line.

From there it was pretty much one-way traffic as they ran out comfortable 69-44 winners.

The Gold Coast Titans remain safely in the title hunt after they recorded a 70-52 result over the Carina Tigers.

The Titans jumped the Tigers from the outset, but it really was a contest of contrasting halves as the Tigers clearly matched their rivals after halftime.

Carina’s performance was made even more respectable after two serious injuries in the second quarter forced a significant shakeup to their line-up.

REPLAYS

Carina Tigers v Gold Coast Titans - Sapphire Series Round 11

Watch the full replay in the window above.

Brisbane South Wildcats v TAE Ipswich Jets - Sapphire Series Round 11

The experience of former New Zealand Silver Fern Cat Latu will again be key for TAE Ipswich Jets as they look to stretch their lead at the top of the Sapphire Series on Sunday.

Head coach Paula Stuart called in the shooting force for round 10 on Wednesday night, as well as Ruby fill-in Mackenzie Jordan, to cover an injured Naomi Solomona and sick Lily Cubby under the post.

The dynamic shooting duo remain on time restrictions for Sunday’s game against Brisbane South Wildcats, Solomona permitted to play one quarter while Cubby is as yet unconfirmed to make the 11-player bench.

Catch the big game LIVE and EXCLUSIVE from 4pm as part of a big round 11 double header. Carina League Club Tigers face Gold Coast Titans from 6pm.

“I wanted that experience in the circle so we brought (Cat) back,” Stuart said.

“She played a couple of minutes per quarter just to give a bit of lift in the circle, and she was inspirational on and off the court... telling the players around her what to do.

The Jets are out in front of the Sapphire Series table.

Latu came out of retirement in 2023 to don the Gold Coast Titans dress for half a season before leaving Australia to spend time with family.

She took the court for a fraction of each quarter, a strategy Stuart said worked a treat.

“She was the conductor on court, which gave that experience to the younger players,” she said.

“It was a great opportunity for those girls.

“She was definitely like a third coach.”

Despite securing a 72-55 victory over the Tigers, Stuart was unimpressed with the Jets start.

“Tigers came out firing in the first quarter and we were on the back foot,” she said.

“One thing that was good was our mentally. We were able to turn it around in one quarter, so I was pretty happy about that.

A lack of down-court transition experience between players was to blame for the slow start, compounded by a lengthy break since the Jets’ last game.

“We’ve had our 22 days off and that’s it… why we’re coming back a bit rusty,” she said.

“Having the two games this week is quite good for us,” Stuart said.

“Lily and Elsa (Sandholt) are getting better at their second positions and we’ll be hoping to explore that more throughout the game.”

Taking into consideration player health, Stuart said she would likely start Solomona is goal attack with the hopes of gaining a healthy lead early on.

“(We’ll) make sure she’s warmed up properly and not coming on cold.”

Currently sitting sixth on the ladder, Wildcats are clear underdogs in the contest as Jets hold onto top spot.

Cat Latu in her heyday.

“Wildcats will be coming out strong because they’ve got nothing to lose, so we will be starting as strong as we can,” Stuart said.

“There defence we know is relentless, they’ll come out strong.

“I want us to be consistent… focusing on our own game and making sure that we do start a lot stronger and build throughout the game.”

Stuart pointed the centre court sensation Chaisse Vassallo and goal shooter Coco Smith as two key players in the mix.

“(Vassallo) has been doing a good job with the Future Firebirds, and with Coco, she’s probably the most improved in the competition.”

Originally published as Live stream: Jets face Wildcats, Tigers play Titans in big Sapphire Series Round 11 double header