Waratahs keep their cool to see of Pints in thrilling round 11 Darwin Netball Premier League match

WARATAHS proved their mettle in surviving a late scare to win 36-35 in a thriller over Pints in round 11 of the 2021 Darwin Netball Premier League.

Waratah’s player-coach Alyce Casilli sealed the win over Pints with a last second goal. Photo: Che Chorley

WARATAHS proved their mettle in surviving a late scare to win 36-35 in a thriller over Pints in round 11 of the 2021 Darwin Netball Premier League.

The Tahs found their rhythm early in the piece with shooters Alyce Casilli and Michelle Hann racking up five unanswered points.

That early buffer gave them plenty to work with when Pints finally got themselves on the scoreboard.

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And it was a necessary buffer, with Pints finding pace early in the second quarter with the addition of Elizabeth Paice at wing attack.

That added pace and the work of Jasmyn Hewett and Barbara Ilett in defence inspired the side to bring the scoreline back to a single score by half time.

The return of Peta Stephans to goal defence alongside Hayley Thomas helped shore up the Tahs defence as they increased their lead.

But the final quarter saw Pints come back once again, eager to pip their rivals at the death.

In the dying minutes the scores were tied after a slew of goals from the Pints scorers Aaliyah Bailey and Natasha McCrae.

Casilli netted a goal, only for Bailey and Pints to quickly respond and bring the score level once more.

However, it was Tahs and Casilli again who netted the final point of the match in the final second, putting an end to the spirited comeback from Pints.

“It was a great win, a really tough game. Pints are a great competition and just kept coming at us all game,” she said.

“We just wanted to have a really strong start and made that a focus as we continue to get our combinations working.

“It came down to constant effort even when they came back at us. We kept the same tempo, didn’t get too panicked and went back to our game plan.

“And in those final minutes it was all about getting the ball again so we could try to get up, staying calm and cherishing every opportunity we had.

“This season we’ve had a really strong attitude from our whole squad with everyone wanting to achieve something great this year.”

Meanwhile, Nightcliff Tigers continued their strong run of form beating Banks Bulldogs 45-20, and Tracy Village Falcons kept their position atop the table safe with a 35-28 win over Hoggies.