Match Report: Team 45
A final term goal spree has propelled Team 45 to its maiden win of the season, thrilling a crowd of several on the Court 47 sidelines.
45 was on the backfoot early against Hocking 8, who deservedly took a 7-3 lead the first break. There were though signs of things to come for the Greaves-Hassan coached outfit, as LT displayed her usual defensive instincts, and up front ES and GF demonstrated their eye for goal.
The second term saw the girls in green claw their way ahead in both goal attempts and goals scored, with the majority of the work being done in the midcourt where the other ES combined superbly with CD and AD to dominate possession and set up the shooters, who showed no hesitation in firing from anywhere inside the goal circle. Spectators on both sides of Court 47 enjoyed the contest, which saw Hocking still in front at the main break by a score of 10-7.
Not content with the taste of their half-time oranges Carine 45 instead looked to get a taste of (metaphorical) blood in the third quarter, as they worked to cut the deficit further. All seven of the girls in green put their bodies on the line as they sensed an opportunity for the win. Shrewd coaching moves and rising confidence saw 45 fling passes with ruthless abandon, trusting each other’s movement and hands. None more so than AS who held everything that came her way and was able to make transitions that could have come straight from the West Coast Fever practice courts. With the momentum now firmly in their favour the girls entered the last break down by just two goals, 14-12.
With their tails up the 45ers took just one centre pass and one intercept after the restart to level proceedings at 14-all, and from that moment on it seemed the result was inevitable. With standout moments from each player across all thirds of the court, they gave Hocking no space, no time, and no quarter. Spectators on the Carine side of the court couldn’t hide their smiles or cheers as goal after goal was marked on the scoresheet. But there was no showboating from the players, who stayed focused on the task at hand. Nothing could contain their joy at the final whistle though, the 19-16 win a richly deserved reward after many hard yards on the training court and back-to-back tough losses to start the season.
Coach Greaves-Hassan with the unenviable task of selecting this week’s award winners, although few would argue with ES and AD earning the nod.
Such was the impressiveness of the Friday night result Team 45 even got a strong mention on ABC Radio Perth’s Morning program.
And with two players yet to return from lower leg issues, the only way is up for Carine 45.
