Wednesday, 25 July 2012

Major Semi-Final Preview: ETSA Contax v Contours Matrics


Netball SA Stadium, 8:30pm Thursday, Court 1

The Contax and Matrics have definitely been the two dominant sides of the 2012 Subway Cup season so far and once again they will come together to produce what should be another tense encounter.

After finishing the minor rounds undefeated the Contax definitely have the momentum going into the finals and have beaten the Matrics three times throughout the season.

However, the Matrics have reduced the gap as the season has progressed and only lost by four goals the last time these sides played in round 19.

Defence will play a big part in this match and both sides have formidable defensive ends. The Contax goal circle defensive combination of Jane Fitzgerald and Bianca Reddy have been outstanding all season and are part of the reason the Contax have conceded just 678 goals, 168 less then second ranked Woods Panthers.

The Contax defend really well as a unit and use constant pressure to force turnovers from the opposing team. Once they gain possession quick ball movement is the key, particularly through their speedy mid-courters Lauren Hyde, Madeleine Proud and Georgia Beaton.

The Matrics, on the other hand, have been a side good at absorbing attacking pressure when not in possession, forcing sides to make errors moving across the defensive third line.

A big loss for the Matrics is goal defence Sarah Kennedy. Kennedy was in excellent form before a broken wrist ended her season. Her ability to come out of the circle and intercept searching passes into the defensive third were a standout feature of the Matrics game. Adjusting to her absence will prove crucial for the Matrics but they are fortunate to have plenty of depth in their defensive end.

The mid-court battle will be an entertaining as the sides use different tactics through this area of the court. Both sides use speed but there is a difference in execution.

The Matrics combination of Kyra Brown at centre and Sheree Wingard has been strong throughout the season. Wingard’s speed and drive into the attacking third compliments Brown’s composed circle feeding.

The Contax look for an up-tempo game speed through snappy player movement and quick passing down the court. The Matrics may look to slow the game down on transitional play so their defenders don’t get caught out of position.

When it comes to the attacking end, the Matrics shooting trio of Laura Packard, Stephanie Hentschel and Cody Lange have scored more goals then any other team in the competition combining for 1031 goals.

The standout here is Packard who has scored an incredible 518 goals, the only player to reach that milestone in the minor rounds.

It is not only total goals scored where the Matrics have it over their major-semi counterparts, they are also more accurate. The experience of Amanda Martin will be vital for the Contax in such an important match. She has guided young shooters Chelsea Lemke and Casey Gregory extremely well all season and will need to be at her best on Thursday.

This game is sure to be intense with the winner moving straight through to the Grand Final with a vital weeks rest to prepare. The loser will play either Health and Life Phoenix or The Royal Cougars depending on the result of the minor semi-final.


Previous Results:

Round 5:   Contax 59 d Matrics 49

Round 12:   Contax 57 d Matrics 49

Round 19:   Contax 49 d Matrics 45


Last 5 Matches:

Contax:   W W W W W

Matrics:   W L D B B




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