WANL 2022: Souwest Jets grounded after going down to commanding Western Roar by 20 goals

The Souwest Jets’ quest to find form and build momentum towards the finals has hit more turbulence after falling short to a formidable Western Roar outfit by 20 goals. The Jets went head to head with the Roar at Perth’s Gold Netball Centre during the eighth round of the 2022 WANL season on Tuesday night. From the outset, the Roar were off to a firey start with quick driving and early goals from the likes of Emma Putt and Maddison Schultz giving them the early lead. Although the Jets managed to fight back with goals of their own, the Roar held strong 15-10 at quarter time. The second quarter saw the Jets make a further attempt to fight back with early goals from Giselle Taylor backing up solid mid-court efforts by Elycce Webb and Brooke Gibson. Defenders Brooke O’Connor and Jen Brown also put in a strong effort in putting pressure on the Roar within the goal circle. As the Jets began inching their way closer to matching the Roar, the likes of Sophia Lamers and Schultz would hustle their way back to extending the lead. At half time, the Roar led 31-24. Following the main break, the Jets continued their fight to shave the margin down although the Roar continued to blow their lead out in a physical third quarter. Quick driving from Bella McLernon and Cleo Kenny saw the Roar extend their lead out to 16 goals at the final change. The final quarter saw a promising start for the Jets with Simone Dalkin managing an excellent rebound within the goal circle. However, the opportunity to score went awry due to the strong defences of Annabel Saggers and Zoe Spencer. Despite the Jets’ best efforts to make some sort of comeback, the Roar proved just too strong as they continued to outscore the Jets to seal the victory. A late interception from Brooke Repacholi in the centre third gave the Jets some hope but it was too little too late as the Roar went on to take the win 67-47. Meanwhile, the Jets’ 20 & under team fell short to the Western Roar, going down 70-30 after the Roar led from the outset and were quick to take control of the match. The Jets will find themselves facing off against the Curtin Hamersley Comets — who fell just short to the West Coast Warriors 49-45 — at the Gold Netball Centre on Friday.