Sapphire Series R11 live stream: Derby days hits Carrara as Titans and Bullsharks resume battle

A star off the bench has helped Gold Coast weather a storm of loose possession, to turn the tables on their local rivals and seal a spot in the Sapphire Series finals. Watch the REPLAYS.

The Bull Sharks season is all but over after the Titans proved too hard to handle in a Gold Coast Sapphire Series derby.

The Bull Sharks threw everything they had at the Titans down the stretch, but the Gold Coast side toughed it out to win the final quarter by one point and the match 49-43.

SCROLL DOWN TO WATCH THE REPLAYS FROM THE RUBY/SAPPHIRE SERIES DOUBLE HEADER

It was a scrappy contest in the second half as both sides looked for any advantage after the sides were locked up at the main break.

With turnovers coming thick and fast in the third quarter, it was the presence of Jordan Namu off the bench who turned the contest in the Titans favour.

Namu’s pace across the court and control with the ball in hand proved crucial to turn the tide and help the Gold Coast side mount a five goal lead heading into the final break.

The win puts the Titans squarely in the mix for the Sapphire Series finals, while the Bull Sharks will need to rely on other results to extend their season beyond the regular rounds.

It was also a Sunday double for the Titans who made short work of their rivals in the earlier Ruby Series game, running out 59-32 winners.

REPLAYS

Bond University Bullsharks v Gold Coast Titans Netball (Sapphire)

Bond University Bullsharks v Gold Coast Titans Netball (Ruby)

Preview: Local rivals ready to go head-to-head in derby delight

It’s the second edition of the Gold Coast Sapphire Series derby on Sunday.

All eyes will be on Carrara Stadium when the Titans and Bullsharks come face-to-face in round 11 from 6pm.

Their ladder positions couldn’t be more contrasting, but if the first match back in April is any indication, it promises to be something special.

And the ability to deal with a quick back-up just 24 hours after they last played - the Titans against ladder-leading Jets and the Bullsharks against the Tigers - will certainly add another dimension to the rivalry.

You can catch every minute of the Ruby Series/Sapphire Series double header from 4pm LIVE on KommunityTV. See the full live stream schedule below.

PREVIOUSLY: Bullsharks v Titans

Round two saw the first Gold Coast derby in Sapphire Series history.

Bond had just returned to the competition after a year managing a sole Ruby licence, while Titans had a year of preparation up their sleeve.

After a bye in round one, Titans opened the match strong and led the whole way to eventually claim an 11-goal victory (59-48).

Bullsharks didn’t let up easy, but it was clear the brand new line-up and fresh coaching panel were still getting used to each other’s styles.

This weekend, they’ll be out to level the scores and Titans are fully aware of their determination to win.

Gold Coast Titans Netball. Pic Credit: Gold Coast Titans. Pictured: Bryah Gafa

PLAYER TO WATCH

Bryah Gafa is hard to miss, on or off the court.

The Titans captain has proven herself a valuable asset in the defensive circle and has no doubt been a major contributor to her side’s success so far this season.

With silky prelim moves and classy footwork, Gafa can lose the toughest of opponents in an instant to create a clear passing option for her teammates.

She is always there for the reset and is a pest for any goal attack in the Sapphire Series, getting tips on balls no one saw coming.

Gafa will face off against Bullsharks captain Hannah Le Sage, who is in her first year of a permanent Sapphire contract and is making quick improvements to her game.

Hannah Le Sage has enjoyed a big season.

 

EXPERT PREDICTIONS

Both sides have crucial games on Saturday night, meaning it’s possible the fuel tanks will be running low on Sunday.

It leaves us wondering which team will have the stamina to pull enough a back-to-back top performance.

Will it be Titans after their top-of-table clash with Jets, or Bond following their battle with the inconsistent Tigers?

We predict the Bullsharks will come out fast and gain a close lead in the first quarter, though Titans will keep them within reach and provide a strong contest to the final second.