Jaegers Struggle To Compete Against Leading Side

Newcastle Herald

Monday June 18, 2007

By NEIL GOFFET

MELBOURNE Phoenix kept their 2007 unbeaten record intact when they defeated the Hunter Jaegers 67-39 in their national netball league clash at Melbourne's State Netball and Hockey Centre on Friday night.

The Jaegers made a bright start to the match and were locked at 10-10 against their far more experienced opponents when star defender Emma Koster had to leave the court due to a bleeding nose.

The 23-year-old goal keeper has been the backbone of the side this season, and the team struggled without her late in the first quarter.

"It was just an accidental clash but we struggled without Emma on the court and trailed 18-11 at quarter-time," captain Jane Menzies said.

"We let it upset our rhythm which is a sign of the inexperience in our team, and against a side like Phoenix it can hurt you.

"They [Phoenix] started really strongly in the second quarter and we were down by 15 at half-time. They are a very hard side to beat once you have given them a head start."

Jaegers coach Jon Fletcher threw youngster Vanessa Andrews into the centre to make her national league debut in the third quarter. Regular centre Narelle Eather was switched to wing attack and wing attack Kirby Bentley watched the third term from the bench.

"We certainly don't want to give games up, but it was a good opportunity to give Vanessa her first game against a player like Natasha Chokljat," Menzies said.

"We are still a young side and we are learning all the time."

The Jaegers made a strong start to what will be their last season in the national competition, including a narrow 48-42 loss to the classy Phoenix in Newcastle.

Hunter are still in sixth place after the loss but remain just one win away from fourth-placed Adelaide.

AAP reports: Two wins this weekend would virtually guarantee Phoenix the minor premiership with just four rounds remaining.

The Swifts consolidated second spot with a 48-46 away win over Adelaide. Melbourne Kestrels moved into third, two points behind Sydney and two ahead of Adelaide, with a 50-48 home win over seventh-placed Perth.

Fifth-placed Queensland only trail Adelaide on percentage after scoring a 55-48 away win over last-placed AIS Canberra Darters.

© 2007 Newcastle Herald

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