ETSA Contax defeat Woods Panthers in tough battle

ETSA Contax has defeated Woods Panthers by 14 goals in their round 2 Subway Cup match at Netball SA Stadium with the final score 53 – 39.

In a tough match that was played at a very good pace for its entirety, Contax proved too strong for Panthers making fewer errors and making the most of good transitional play from defence to attack. Contax GA Chelsea Lemke finishing off the good teamwork scoring 36 goals at 80% for the match.

Contax opened the scoring in the first quarter with 3 straight goals against some good defensive pressure from Panthers GK Sally Fuller and GD Beth Shimmin. The quarter developed into a good contest with both sides using every bit of court space to try and get the ball to their shooters. Although Contax went into the first break with a 4-goal lead, Panthers were in the contest through a good shooting performance from GS Kim Walker who did not miss from her 9 attempts.

The intensity of the match was continued into the second quarter as Panthers looked to cut into the 4 goal margin. Costly errors and the persistence of the Contax defence, led by GD Jane Fitzgerald and GK Georgia Beaton, slowed the Panthers attack and stopped their momentum going into the attacking third. Contax on the other hand were making the most of their opportunities and extended their lead to 8 goals at half time.

Like the second quarter Panthers started the third with plenty of intent and scored the first 2 goals of the quarter. However, Contax snuffed out any chance of a sudden comeback by getting the two goals back and keeping the lead to 8. Contax quick ball movement at the top of the attacking circle was causing lots of headaches for the Panthers defence allowing Lemke to receive good ball under the net. They extended their lead at the final break to 13 goals.

The shooting battle between Lemke and Walker continued into the final quarter but it was Lemke getting more opportunities. Contax continued to control the pace of the game with C Chloe Joyce looking as fresh as she was at the first minute of the match. Panthers continued to push Contax right to the end but turnovers continued to hamper their efforts.

Contax captain Jane Fitzgerald while happy with the win said the team can improve.

“It was a tough hard win, we always knew that Woods were going to be a tough game and we’re certainly happy to come out with a win but there’s plenty of room for improvement,” she said.

Although the team has a few Subway Cup debutants Fitzgerald said the team was combing well.

Panthers captain Sally Fuller said that while it took a while to get into the flow of the game their structure was good.

“For our first game on court it took as a while to get in to the flow of the game but we got our team structure together and played well when we stuck to our game plan.”

“I think our lapses toward the end of the quarter were our downfall and the Contax are the type of team to really take advantage.”

In the other round 2 games played Spring Gully Newton Jaguars got home in a tight result against the Royal Cougars, winning 53 – 50 and the Contours Matrics remain undefeated by beating Garville 79 – 36. Health and Life Phoenix had the bye.

Quarter by quarter scores:

Q1:   Con   13 – 9   Pan

Q2:   Con   26 – 18   Pan

Q3:   Con   43 – 30   Pan

Q4:   Con   53 – 39   Pan

Shooting Percentages:

Contax   (75.71%)

A. Martin:     17/25   (68%)

C. Lemke:     36/45   (80%)

Panthers   (76.47%)

K. Walker:     30/37   (81.08%)

E. Thomas:     9/14   (64.29%)