WANL 2022: Southside Demons prevail over Souwest Jets by 14 goals in physical contest

After last weekend’s general bye, a fierce and physical contest on Saturday resulted in the Southside Demons prevailing over the Souwest Jets by 14 goals. The Souwest Jets returned to the hangar at Eaton Recreation Centre to take on the Southside Demons during round seven of the 2022 WANL season. While the Jets managed to gain an early advantage thanks to solid shooting by Simone Dalkin, the Demons were quick to put the pressure on, with shooter Rebecca Lill backing up their efforts to take the lead. The rest of the opening term was an evenly matched contest, with the teams looking to shut each other down wherever possible. However, the Jets managed to fight back at the right time to take the lead 15-13 at quarter-time. In the second quarter, the Jets’ defenders put the pressure on the Demons early as they strove to make a comeback. Although Dalkin continued an outstanding effort in the goal circle and skipper Cassie Farquhar-Reid put in some solid driving, the contest picked up intensity as the Demons fought back to take the lead. Giselle Taylor made an immediate impact upon her return to the court after a bout with COVID-19, scoring several goals. However, the Demons managed to hold a one-goal advantage at half-time. In the third quarter, the Jets fired away with a fast start to take back the lead, although the Demons were hot on their tail. The contest soon resembled a tug of war as both teams fought hard for the lead until Lill’s dominance in goals gave the Demons a five-goal lead at the final change. The Demons continued extending their lead early in the final quarter, with outstanding mid-court efforts by Montana Turnbull and Tahlia McSweeney, and strong defence by Chanel Gomes and Abbey Hanley. Despite the Jets’ best efforts in trying to fight back, the Demons proved too strong, with a 22-goal blitz sealing the victory 66-52. Lill managed a game-high 47 goals for the Demons, while Dalkin was the Jets’ lead goal scorer with 28. Before the open match, the Southside Demons’ 20 and under side held off the Souwest Jets 52-43. The Demons led from the outset and held on despite a strong fight-back from the Jets during the second term. The Jets will be looking to bounce back when they take on the Western Roar at the Gold Netball Centre on Tuesday.