‘Bragging rights on the line:’ Why Gold Coast clash is a must-watch in round 2 of Queensland Sapphire Series

The Gold Coast derby has arrived early this HART Sapphire Series, with the Gold Coast Titans and Bond University Bull Sharks gearing up for their first head-to-head clash at Carrara Stadium, April 27. Full story inside:

The Gold Coast derby has arrived early this HART Sapphire Series, with the Gold Coast Titans and Bond University Bull Sharks gearing up for their first head-to-head clash in round 2 this weekend.

With bragging rights on the line, only one side can go home labelled ‘Queens of the Coast.’

Sapphire midcourter Lily Gray said she and the squad were eager to take the court this weekend against their cost rivals.

“Home games are our favourite games of the year.

“To come up against Bond (University) for the first time at home is even more special,” she said.

Lily Gray of Gold Coast Titans April 22, 2023. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“There’s a bit more heart involved and definitely bragging rights on the line.”
Gray, in her third year as a Titan since making the move from Tigers in 2021, said it would be in intense match as usual given this year’s star studded rosters and the guaranteed atmosphere of playing locally.

Bond head coach Bec Stower agreed the atmosphere of Titans’ home games in 2023 were particularly engaging, and said the Bull Sharks would need to stay focused on the task at hand.

“Titans crowd and atmosphere is always electric,” she said.

Stower, now in her second year of coaching the Bond Sapphire side, believes the recruitment of former Firebird Mia Stower (daughter) was set to make a huge difference on court – particularly given the now included super shot.

“It is handy having Mia’s experience from SSN with strategies around the super shot.

“It will be interesting to see how it plays out in HSS,” Stower said.

It’s a feeling back by Gray.

Bond University Bull Sharks Netball 2024. HART Sapphire Series captain Hannah Le Sage

“It just adds a lot of excitement to the game … you can be 10 or 15 points down with five minutes to play and all of a sudden the super shot can bring that margin quite close,” she said

“There’s a lot of opportunity for a really exciting game.”

The super shot means all shots made in the final five minutes of a quarter – when taken two metres out from the post – equal two points instead of one.

It was introduced this year after growing popularity in the Suncorp Super Netball and Fast5 format.

Gray saw first-hand in round 1 how much of impact the newly introduced ruling can make, Titans giving up a 12-point lead midway through the final quarter to win by just three goals.

Despite the shock factor against Wildcats, Gray is confident round 2 will feature a clearer game plan in the circle against Bond’s tight defence.

“We’ve got great shooters in our squad so we’re grateful to have them nailing those two pointers.

HART Sapphire Series round 1 2024, Gold Coast Titans v Brisbane South Wildcats

“It also mixes things up in defence, so we experimented a bit last week,” she said.

“Now we can really get a grip on what works for us and make the most of it.”

Unlike the Titans, Bond remained sidelined with a bye in round 1 – something Gray sees as an advantage ahead of this weekend’s clash.

“We’re had a long pre-season but nothing prepares you for games, so to have one game under our belt should give us a competitive advantage against Bond.”

On the flip side, Bond were able to organise match play against the Queensland Suns, which they believe helped set a groove for connections downcourt.

“We had a game against the Men last weekend so we are hoping nothing is lost by having the bye first up,” Boland said.