Tara Murray
City West Falcons have moved to the top of the Victorian Netball League Championship division ladder.
The Falcons faced a previously undefeated Melbourne University on Wednesday night, in their biggest test this season.
The Falcons jumped out of the blocks early and opened up a 12 goal lead at the main break.
That margin would prove to be vital with a much closer second half. The Falcons eventually got the win, 53-44.
Falcons coach Marg Lind was really pleased with the intensity of the side. She said the group had come back really well after the COVID-19 break.
“It was a good game,” she said. “We were playing a pretty experienced, strong and physical side.
“We showed a lot of enthusiasm and we had a really good spirit. We chased down balls and the talk was really positive on the court.”
Jane Cook shot 42 goals from 49 shots for the Falcons against an experienced defensive line up.
Lind said she was pleased with Zoe Davies’ strong first half and the performance of Soli Ropati at wing defence, while the attack end also played well.
The win moves the Falcons above Melbourne to the top of the table with seven wins and a draw.
Lind said despite sitting on top they were anything but favourites.
“There are still four or five good teams and anyone can beat anyone on their day.”
The Falcons under-19 and division 1 teams also recorded wins.
The Falcons this week face the Southern Saints, the only team they haven’t played so far.
The competition wasn’t originally going to play this week, with the under-17 and under-19 national championships.
The championships were cancelled last week due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lind said it was pretty disappointing for their players in those teams, with many of the girls also missing out last year.
“The kids are devastated,” she said. “You feel for them.
“They’re really upset and disappointed. Hopefully Netball Victoria can get creative so they can still do something.
“The men’s nationals have been cancelled as well. We’ve done a lot of training with them.”
