How it unfolded
The Bull Sharks Sapphire team overcame two key injuries to bust through for their first win of the season.
Meanwhile Bond’s Ruby team powered their way to a top four ladder berth with another impressive victory.
Sapphire
Stung by key injuries to key defender Abi Houston and in-form mid-courter Dakota Newson, Bond’s Sapphire team had to find something special.
In a game Bond absolutely had to win, the Bull Sharks finally delivered the four quarter effort Head Coach Bec Stower has been demanding.
“Our plan for the match was to turn up to win,” she said.
“We had to switch our mindset to focusing on what we could control and stringing it together for the full hour. It was crucial that we turn the corner in this game.”
“While we still had some momentary lapses, we were able to shift Wildcats momentum a lot more quickly than we’d been able to do with our opponents in previous matches.”
Stower singled out GS Kaylin Van Greunen.
“She absolutely delivered with 49 goals at 91% accuracy,” Stower said.
She was also rapt with Monique Piunti’s ability to control the pace of the midcourt and the combination of Ella Spencer and Maddi Ryan who worked hard in defence.
“They worked magnificently together to apply their strategies. They turned over some great ball in defence.”
Ruby
Coming off a strong win against USC Thunder, the Ruby team surged their way to another dominant win.
Bond’s Head of Netball Operations and Ruby Coach was thrilled with her team’s application.
“It was a true team effort from the Ruby girls to take the win,” Boland said.
“Our midcourt really stood up this week with Lily Phillips, Joesi Gisinger and Molly Parry all stepping up. In attack and defence they were outstanding with their connection together building beautifully.”
“We stuck to our game plan and executed a consistent four quarters. There’s still lots to improve on but a great effort from the team.”
The win sees Bond move into the top four only a few percentage points adrift from third-placed hometown rival, Gold Coast Titans.
Also…
A special shout out to Bond Bull Sharks’ Development Squad who play in the Gold Coast open-age Elite Premier League. The team secured their fourth consecutive win last Friday night to remain undefeated after the early rounds of competition.
Next week
Bull Sharks Ruby and Sapphire teams will play on Sunday at Nissan Arena at 4.00pm and 6.00pm respectively. They'll line up against Carina Leagues Club Tigers.
Bond’s Sapphire clash against the Tigers pits sixth against fifth and the winner will be knocking on the door of the top four. It also gives new Bull Sharks Maddi Ryan, Tash Robinson and Ella Spencer their first shot against their old club.
The Tigers Ruby squad is full to the brim of Queensland U17 and U19 representative talent. The game represents a terrific opportunity for Bond’s Ruby team to test themselves against a competition favourite.