By Holly Slattery
The Bull Sharks came away from their penultimate Ruby Series round with an exhilarating four point win over QUT at Nissan Arena on Sunday.
Their fourth victory highlighted the team's spirit after the all-new Bond side endured a sweep of unfortunate losses during their debut season.
HOW IT UNFOLDED:
An early lead is what the Bull Sharks desperately needed to build confidence in their ability.
A high energy, half court warm-up lent itself to a strong first quarter in which the Bull Sharks prevailed by just three points.
They continued their fight in the second quarter to give themselves a nine-point buffer going into the second half, and held their own in defence when QUT attempted a comeback after the break.
The shooting end remained dynamic with an always-moving circle and a number of impressive front cuts making for a solid attack against a tall defending side.
WHO’S HOT:
Playmaker Monique Clifton put on an impressive performance in wing attack, working the ball into the circle to facilitate the 51-47 victory.
A tight score also relied on Bond’s strong defensive skills which powerhouses Kalei Brighton and Josie Gisinger brought to the court.
The pair elevated their game in the face of a tall shooting circle, doubling down on the opposition’s key shooter to redirect the play.
WHAT THEY SAID:
Clifton, who was awarded Players’ Player for her fierce attack from the wing, says the Bull Sharks victory was well-deserved.
“Considering our season hasn’t given us the greatest results it was definitely good to get a win,” she said.
“We’ve beaten QUT before but I think this game was a lot better and cleaner in the way that we played.
“We had the lead from the start and when they came back in the last quarter we kept our cool pretty well and just made sure things were simple, short and sharp right until the end.
The 21-year-old, deemed a seasoned athlete in a team of up-and-comers, feels heartened to have played a part in the new side’s development.
“As an older player, it’s been really good to see the younger girls coming through and really developing, and also to see them benefiting from feedback from the more experienced players like myself and Allanah Penny.
“Considering how quickly the team was put together the girls gelled really quickly and it has been good fun all the way through.”
IN OTHER GAMES:
The Bull Sharks have just one game remaining in the 2022 home and away season.
They will play their 18th round at Carrara Stadium against the Titans who are strong premiership contenders in third position on the Ruby Series ladder.