Unforced errors cost Panthers in grudge match with Ipswich Jets
The Darling Downs Panthers were put to the test on the weekend as they fell to bitter rivals Ipswich. Check out our full match review – including the best Panthers players and PHOTO GALLERY here.
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Their rookie attack was on target, but unforced errors proved costly for the Darling Downs Panthers at the weekend.
At home to rivals Ipswich Jets the Panthers showed plenty of fight in their 62-46 loss.
“It’s really disappointing that we couldn’t get the win, especially at home,” Panthers wing/goal attack Khloe Fanning said.
“We had some really good areas of our game that we executed well but we were let down by all the unforced errors and mistakes we made.
“Our stepping, getting caught off-side, poor pass selection and making other silly mistakes was what cost us.
“I think that we beat ourselves rather than the Jets outplaying us.
“So I know that we will continue to fix up our defensive lapses during this week’s training sessions, focusing on slowing the ball before it gets to our defenders, as well as tidying up the amount of errors we commit.”
Despite their defensive woes, the Panthers can take some positives away from their defeat.
Fanning and her fellow shooters were on target in the attacking circle.
“Our shooting was very good, we had two shooters at 100 per cent and another at around 80,” she said.
“Haylee (McAuliffe) was really strong again and our debutant Georgia (Lindsay) had a great first game.”
TOP PERFORMERS
Ada McKenzie: Playing out of position at centre, McKenzie looked at ease on the court. playing Fanning commended her stellar performance labelling her as the Panthers MVP.
Haylee McAuliffe: The young gun shot at 100 per cent shooting. Coming back from the State championships she put in another stellar performance.
Georgia Lindsay: Elevated to the 10 (match-day side), the goal attack had a solid outing, with Fanning praising her calm demeanour in front of the net.
GALLERY: ACTION FROM RD 2
ROUND 1 vs. GC TITANS
Caught on the back foot early, the Darling Downs Panthers battled gamely in their Ruby Series season opener at the weekend.
The Panthers struggled to match the pace and power of Gold Coast Titans in the early stages of the game before clawing their way back into the match.
“I think considering it was our first game we put up a really good fight, Panthers goal attack and debutant Haylee McAuliffe, 17, said.
“We did lose momentum towards the middle part of the game, we ran out of steam and dropped our heads a bit, but then we did pick it up and really started to bring it (score) back.”
Leading 31-14 at halftime the Titans, a team tipped to be a premiership contender, went on to secure a 58-32 win.
McAuliffe, who also plays for St Ursula’s College, did not look at out place for the Panthers sinking shots from range and confusing defenders with her quick feet and superior pace.
“I was pretty happy with my overall performance with it being my first proper game,” she said.
“I was happy with my movement off the ball, but I think my shooting could have been a lot better.
“I need to practice with some more defence over my shooting rather than just shooting without any pressure.
“I don’t have as much muscle on me yet compared to some of the girls out there, so I can’t take the hit (contact) as well.
“To get around that I use my speed and my fitness to get past the defender rather than using brute strength.”
Outscored 14-7 and 17-7 in the opening two quarters, the Panthers stemmed the flow of goals in the second half of the match.
TOP PERFORMERS
Haylee McAuliffe: Making her debut the goal attack put on a show, scoring from deep and out wide, she was also quick and accurate in her shots.
Millie Watt: Playing as the side’s wing defence, Watt was a very strong presence on the court, not shying away from the contest.
Ada McKenzie: Co-captain and playing as the team’s wing-attack, up against tough opponents, McKenzie, through her experience and skill, was able to dictate play when required.
GALLERY: ACTION FROM RD 1
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