By their own admission, the Bull Sharks Sapphire squad was schooled by the Ipswich Jets last weekend. A trip up the M1 to face University of Sunshine Coast Thunder on Sunday will determine if they learned their lesson.
Meanwhile The Ruby team hosts the Darling Downs-based Barastoc Panthers on Saturday at Nissan Arena. Then they head north with the senior squad to face the Thunder on Sunday.
What’s in store
The Bull Sharks Sapphire squad was outmuscled by a well-drilled and relentless Jets outfit.
An extra day’s rest on account of the bye should help Bond’s cause as they work towards re-establishing themselves at Sapphire level.
Coach Bec Stower didn’t pull any punches when describing her team’s performance.
“We have had a good hard look ourselves after our schooling by the very experienced Jets,” she said.
“As a team we have made a commitment to revisit our structures, and trust in the game plan.
“The team will look to do the work shutting down Thunder’s midcourt connections into the circle, particularly limiting ball to (Sunshine Coast Lightning-listed shooter) Annika Lee Jones. We’ll be looking to Ella Spencer there. She’s in form and she’s been consistent for our first three games.
“Our attack end will continue to see our connections building with Dakota Newson leading the charge by creating opportunities for our shooters.
“Training this week will has seen us go back to basics as we look to cut down our unforced errors by being strong on the take and definite in our movements.”
USC Thunder had a good win in round 1 of the Hart Sapphire Series but have since dropped two games in a row.
The Bull Sharks Ruby team matched their powerful Jets opponent in plenty of key areas last weekend, but silly mistakes at crucial times were costly.
Bond Netball Operations Manager and Ruby Coach Kim Boland said tighter ball retention and patience in attack will be high on the agenda if Bond wants to hold off Panthers and Thunder teams desperate to notch up their first wins of the season.
The Panthers are known for their strategic game plan, ball movement and experienced players, making them a tough to beat. Similarly, Thunder boasts a young but talented line-up including state representative players, posing another challenge for Bond.
Nevertheless, Boland maintains a strong belief that the Bull Sharks possess the skill required to deliver a great performance this weekend.
“Continuously this season we’ve seen moments of real brilliance,” Boland said.
“If we can just improve on our consistency and capitalise on our opponents’ errors, I have no doubt that we will begin to see some spectacular results.”
Who to watch
Midcourter Dakota Newson was outstanding in a losing cause last weekend with 23 centre pass receives, 14 assists, 3 pickups and an intercept. She’ll need to be good again this weekend if the Bull Sharks are to give the Thunder a shake.
Keep an eye out for defender Ella Spencer in defence. Her confidence has been growing week-in-week out, and it’s not just been the Bull Sharks brains trust who have been impressed – she was adjudged the Hart Sapphire Series Mizuno Player of the Round during the week thanks to her backs-to-the-wall effort against Ipswich.
Abby Boland’s strong early season form in attack continues for the Ruby team.
She was the Bull Sharks best against the Jets with an assist, a deflection and a pickup to go with her 35 goals.
Watch out for captain Molly Parry this week. She’s a tireless and feisty competitor, and her form has been building steadily.
The same can be said for Elka Macaulay. The Gold Coast-raised shooter has quietly gone about her business since the opening whistle of the first round. Good things are expected this weekend.
Where and when
Sapphire
Sunday May 14
USC Thunder v Bond Bull Sharks at USC (4.45pm centre pass)
Ruby
Saturday May 13
Bond Bull Sharks v Barastoc Panthers at Nissan Arena (4.00pm)
Sunday May 14
USC Thunder v Bond Bull Sharks at USC (6.45pm)
Bond’s Ruby and Sapphire games against USC Thunder will be livestreamed on KommunityTV and are the curtain closer games for the Sunshine Coast Lightning Suncorp Super Series match at 2.00pm.