Jarrad Weeks for Hobart Chargers stars as Canberra Gunners misfire

THE Hobart Chargers and Lady Chargers have both come away with big wins against their Canberra opponents.

A SENSATIONAL third quarter and the individual brilliance of Jarrad Weeks propelled Hobart to a big SEABL victory against Canberra at the Hobart Netball and Sports Centre last night.

Trailing by three points at half-time, the Chargers ramped up the defensive intensity in the third quarter, outscoring the Gunners 28-10 to set up the eventual 91-75 victory.

Hobart forced the visitors to turn the ball over 10 times in the third stanza – and 28 in total for the match – in a brilliant performance on the defensive end.

It was then Weeks (32 points, six assists) who ignited the offensive side of things to continue staking his claim as one of the most electric guards in the league.

Weeks combined with Tom Wright (15 points) to score 21 of the home side’s 22 points in the first quarter to keep the Chargers in the contest.

Then he lit up the stadium alongside Tiri Masunda (15 points) in the third to blow Canberra away.

In the end the margin flattered the Gunners, who were down 59-84 with four minutes left before coach Anthony Stewart gave some court minutes to his younger bench.

Jarrad Weeks scored 32 points and delivered six assists. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

The win lifted the Chargers to an 8-2 record, all with import Shane Southwell having an off night with just 10 points on 4-16 shooting.

“Weeksy came out and got the job done in that third quarter,” Stewart said.

“He has brought a more exciting brand than I thought. He is someone you want to come and watch – he is so quick.

“He can shoot the ball as well. He has been under the radar for a number of years and finally he has got his chance.

“The guys responded in the second half. Canberra are a good side. They are going to win some games.”

Hobart hosts Brisbane next Friday night.

Scheer delight to taste victory

THE Lady Chargers snapped a six-game SEABL losing streak last night in a performance coach Dwain Davie said was reward for effort after a challenging month.

Hobart had not tasted success since its opening game of the season but was largely untroubled against the winless Canberra, running away with a 91-70 victory.

ON TARGET: The Lady Chargers’ Chelsie Schweers scores despite pressure from Issy Bourne. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

And while the margin was a solid indication of the gulf between the sides, it was the way the home side went about it that pleased Davie most.

The Lady Chargers were fluent at both ends of the court, won the ball in offence and had an even spread of contribution.

Chelsie Schweers again showcased her shooting prowess to top score with 31 points – 15 in the last quarter including a stretch of three consecutive three-pointers – while Kathleen Scheer did a bit of everything with 23 points, seven assists, six rebounds, three blocks and two steals.

Izzy Chilcott played her best game since returning from a dislocated thumb with 17 points while the likes of Izzy Morgan, Kylie McCauley, Ellie Collins and Kate Berry pitched in when required.

“Obviously a bit of a sigh of relief, the biggest thing was a bit of a reward for the girls,” Davie said.

“They’ve had a tough start to the year ... to finally get some positive feeling out there was good.

“The way we played our defence in terms of our talk was great and then offensively we shared the ball really well.

“Everyone contributed, which was really pleasing. It’s been an issue the last couple of weeks, getting through our stuff.”

After a sluggish start the Lady Chargers hit top gear
in the second quarter, shooting at 60 per cent from the floor to open up a 14-point buffer by the main break.

It was a gap that was never threatened in the second half, with one of the most positive signs the work of Scheer down low in the post.

Although the American has demonstrated her range from deep, she is without doubt more dangerous closer to the basket.

“We talked about that, having both Kylie and Kathleen in there at the same time, they didn’t really have an answer for it,” Davie said.

“I think we have to do a better job on focusing on that because when Kathleen plays like that she is arguably the best player in the comp.”

Hobart will now have a week off before hitting the road.