Roles reversed as Rollers claim double win in Coast Clash

After losing both Coast clashes this year, the Gold Coast Rollers have stepped up in front of their home crowd to record two wins against cross-town rivals the North Gold Coast Seahawks.

The Gold Coast Rollers QBL women have overcome an 11 point half time deficit to claim just their second win for the year in a home town derby against the Gold Coast Seahawks, winning 71-60.

After losing the same game last year, the Rollers looked likely to suffer the same fate in 2019 after the Seahawks opened their shooting account strongly, though a faultless third quarter which saw the home side pile on 24 points while restricting the damaging lady hawks to only nine points put an exclamation mark on the Rollers outstanding victory.

Jacqueline Luna-Castro earnt player of the match honours for her masterful performance. AAP Image/Richard Gosling

Star American import Jacqueline Luna-Castro had a huge say in the nine point win with 27 points, including four 3’s, nine rebounds and two assists.

“It was a huge win,” she said.

“I’m not from here but obviously there’s a big rivalry between the teams so it was even better to get the win.

“We haven’t had our whole team together so to see what we can do when we have everyone was great.”

Fellow US import Arianna Moorer was the final piece of the puzzle Luna-Castro was referring to, with the first game Roller snaring five points and five

The Gold Coast Rollers claimed an impressive nine point with against their Seahawks rivals on Friday night. AAP Image/Richard Gosling

rebounds as well as showing significant strength and physicality around the court.

After going into the main break down by nine points, Lunca-Castro said a halftime heart to heart inspired the Rollers to come out firing in the third quarter.

“We talked about our mistakes and what we had to do better so we went out and we executed,” she said.

Even more impressive was the Roller’s ability to restrict Seahawks boom recruit Deja Middleton to only 14 points.

“She’s a good player so we had a plan for her but then she started scoring so we had to adjust,” said Luna-Castro.

“When we stick to our plan and execute it then we’re fine.”

In the men’s Coast clash, Seahawks president Ben McGrath will have to wear a Rollers shirt to their next home game after the home side prevailed by 15 points, 91-76.

Tonight both Seahawks sides will back up with a clash against the Townsville Heat.