A 20 goal lead for Firebirds and they’ve now made their first changes of the game. Simpson and Bakewell-Doran getting a well-deserved rest. Lightning playing for pride now.
Wallam sits down with 49/55. Oh, one more goal would have been nice. Anyway, Firebirds are on 72 now with still 7 minutes to play. This after Lightning conceded 82 last week! Ouch.
While we’ve been marvelling at Wallam, Gretel Bueta and Lara Dunkley have both been calmly going about their business of destroying the Lightning defence! Firebirds 78-49 with 4 minutes left.
A comprehensive win for Firebirds. Lots to like about their performance but that penalty count of 36 is incredible. Ruby Bakewell-Doran is just the defender they’ve been looking for in that regard.
Where does Lightning go from here? 82 against them again.
Ouch, poor lightening, nothing is going there way. Teams have figured out Koanen and dominate her, can’t see her making Diamonds now. The problem with lightening is their midcourt lack of connections and no defensive pressure.
Lightning have major issues. They don’t appear to have the personnel in the midcourt. As good as their opposition has been to have 82 scored against them two weeks in a row is abysmal. Dehaney has done some nice things but they have no combination or unit defence. No defensive pressure through court. When Wood is back I actually think they should play a Wood -Batcheldor circle. Koenen is not at her best, dropped balls and missed short shots. In this form I’ll be surprised if she makes Diamonds. They need to dig in and fight like Swifts.
Firebirds have really come out well to start the season. They have found their defensive combination. Bake well-Doran is impressive. Jenner is going to struggle for court time. But the next two rounds will really show if they are finals contenders or not, they have Fever then Giants.
This reply was modified 3 years, 1 month ago by Tully.
Unfortunately, Alice Teague-Neeld is a late out for today’s game against Collingwood under Covid-19 health and safety protocols. She will be replaced by Zoe Cransberg from our extended squad.
