Contours Matrics have started the 2012 Subway Cup season where they left off in 2011 by defeating a committed Health and Life Phoenix. Both teams left nothing on the court during a frenetic and entertaining first half before Matrics showed their experience in a much more controlled finish to the match.
Fittingly, it was Phoenix who had the first centre pass of the 2012 season as both teams got off to a nervous but energetic start and it was Phoenix also scoring the first goal of the match.
The first quarter lead was determined by which side could get the ball to their attacking circle more, as unforced errors and turnovers were frequent in the opening exchanges. Matrics edged to an early lead with shooter Cody Lange dominant in the circle.
Phoenix appeared to settle midway through the quarter taking the lead 4 minutes from the first break with a strong display from Phoenix shooter Kylie Jarrett. Phoenix goalkeeper Dalice Kennedy and goal defence Nadia Mapunda provided good defensive pressure in the circle to help maintain the side’s momentum going into the second quarter.
Like the first, the second quarter was played at a very fast pace with Matrics making the most of early opportunities coming from 3 goals down to take a 4 goal lead early on. In a tight contest through the mid court neither side could gain momentum with turnovers and unforced errors still effecting play.
Phoenix once again took the lead mid-way through the quarter only to have Matrics steal it back a few minutes before half time. Lange continued her good form, with good support from goal attack Stephanie Hentschel and improved pressure from the Matrics defensive third, as Matrics went into half time leading 28 to 24.
Changes were made to both sides for the third quarter. For Phoenix, Kate Kilpatrick replaced Edwina Gosse at centre and Mel Rowland came into goal attack replacing Mel Gibb. Matrics replaced Cody Lange with Laura Packard at goal shooter.
Game speed slowed down in the third quarter as both teams looked to use the ball with greater control forcing the error rate to drop. Matrics looked the more composed team making the most of possession with Packard and Hentschel combining well in the circle. Matrics also built defensive pressure through the mid-court heading into the final quarter. Although winning the quarter by 1 goal, Phoenix still trailed by 3 at the final break.
Phoenix once again made changes with Gosse coming into wing defence, Luka Thompson shifting to goal defence and Nadia Mapunda moving to the bench. Steph Ventrice replaced Erin Scheepens at wing attack.
Matrics finished the match strongly, controlling the pace of the game in the final quarter. Their lead stretched to 10 goals with ten minutes remaining. The Phoenix effort was still there but they continued to make errors that disrupted their fluidity. Matrics’ mid-courters Kyra Brown, Sheree Wingard and Heather Wright combined well, guiding the team to the final whistle.
“It was a really good hit out, we worked hard to build pressure on the other team and I thought we did that really well.” Brown said.
Brown was also pleased with the team’s effort in the second half.
“We really tried to step it up and be patient, we knew we had the experience to be composed and be patient and we knew we had the players to get there and get the win.”
“It was good to take it away in the last quarter.”
Phoenix mid-courter Edwina Gosse noted that errors were too many but is confident the team can bounce back.
“We put together a really good first half but couldn’t maintain that for the whole game unfortunately but I think we will get there.”
Probably our error rate, we didn’t know when to slow the pace of the game and when to control it. A lot of unforced errors.”
In the other games played, ETSA Contax defeated Royal Cougars 51 – 41 and Spring Gully Jaguars posted a convincing win over Garville 61 – 26.
Quarter by quarter scores:
Q1: Mat 11 – 14 Phx
Q2: Mat 28 – 24 Phx
Q3: Mat 40 – 37 Phx
Q4: Mat 58 – 51 Phx
Shooting Percentages:
Matrics:
C. Lange: 19/25 (76%)
S. Hentschel: 20/26 (76.9%)
L. Packard: 19/26 (73.6%)
Phoenix:
K. Jarrett: 31/39 (79.5%)
M. Gibb: 5/8 (62.5%)
M. Rowland: 15/21 (71.4%) 
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