Falcons too good for Kazuals

Netball was back at the Judy Millward Netball Centre on Tuesday night for the opening round of the 2016 season.

Tessa Maynard of Aztecs Netball Club sang the national anthem to open proceedings before the blockbuster first game between last year’s grand finalists Kazuals and Falcons.

Both teams had a new-look defence, with Falcons’ Stevee Adamini the biggest surprise — moving into a defensive role after shooting last season.

Maddi Schultz set the tone for Falcons early with her strength on the court and shooting accuracy proving too strong for a new-look Kazuals defence.

At the other end of the floor, Adamini, along with rookie Sylvia Reynolds and Samara Pluschke, worked tirelessly to create turnovers.

In the end the pressure told and Falcons proved too good for Kazuals taking the game, 60-44.

Shannon and Bridget Clune were among the best for Kazuals, while goal shooter Clare Symons played well in her first Senior One game and combined well with experienced goal attack, Zoe Sellars.

The second game of the night saw Lightning and Pumas taking the court.

Pumas had a different look to their attacking and defensive ends following the loss of Shelby Kennedy, while Lightning had added Messina Tully to their shooting combinations.

Tully showed nerves early on playing against her old team, but settled quickly with the help of Kendall Schuts and Siobhan Dunn to provide a valuable tall target against the shorter Pumas defence.

For Pumas, Darby Colby played well in her new shooting role after spending most of last season as a defender, and Caitlin Wilson working tirelessly in goal attack.

However, the Lightning defence of Julia Fleming and Brooke Adams picked up where they left off last season, working well to create intercept opportunities and vital rebounds.

Mia Gleghorn moved to goal defence in the second half and combined effectively with Naomi Larter in the circle and also moving the ball out of defence.

This defensive pressure caused turnovers early in the third quarter, with Lightning trying to force the ball into their shooters.

Lightning captain Kendall Schuts led by example and settled her team from WA, often helping long distance sharpshooter Sophie Sheehan to convert.

Pumas’ centre court players Mikayla Cooper and Izzy Schults both fought hard all game, however, it was Lightning who ran out eventual winners, 51-26.

After the match, Lightning coach Kym Morphew said she was happy to see the team run out the full four quarters in their first hit out.

Next week sees Falcons take on Pumas at 6.30pm, while Aztecs will play their first game for the year against Kazuals at 8pm.

- Rebecca Ellis