Falcons jump for joy with their first win

Starting 7
GK – Iman Thomas
GD – Dominque McKee
WD – Emily Watson
C – Francesca Desmond
WA – Katie Flaherty
GA – Olivia Mason (Captain)
GS – Christie Simpson
Sub – Jessica Smith
Sub – Tyler Bexton
Sub – Jemma King
Sub – Gabby Titley-Wilson
Sub – Kaylea McQuade
Coaches
Head Coach: Kaylea McQuade
Assistant Coach/Team Manager – Donna Swann

Quarter 1

Dominoes started strongly against home team, Falcons Black, breaking the Falcons centre pass straight away. In fact, it took some time for Falcons to settle and when they finally did, Dominoes had already raced into a 10-nil lead. However, the tables turned after five minutes. Falcons Black began applying increasing pressure on Dominoes which in turn saw the away side make a number of mistakes. Falcons seized on the opportunities by scoring from turnover balls alongside holding onto their own centre passes. The quarter ended Falcons Black 9 – 13 Dominoes. It was a great come back by Falcons, which gave them the impetus going into the second quarter.

Quarter 2
Falcons made two changes for this quarter: Kaylea McQuade came on at WD, whilst Gabby Titley-Wilson came on at GS. Both teams started the quarter well, each holding onto their own first centre pass. However, the next few centre passes saw turnovers occurring from both sides, although neither team could capitalise on the pressure they’d applied to their opponents. In the final two minutes of the quarter Falcons broke Dominoes’ centre pass through a flying interception from Iman Thomas outside the circle, allowing the home team to take the ball to the goal third. Falcons Black showed great patience as the ball was worked to Titley-Wilson who duly scored. Falcons then held their own centre pass to win the quarter 9 goals to 7, leaving at overall score of Falcons Black 18 – 20 Dominoes.

Quarter 3
Falcons Black made no changes for the third quarter and again both teams held their own centre passes for the first few minutes. This quarter was highly contested as both teams tried to play fast netball and hit their opponents on the break. The opportunities were not always capitalised upon though. This was until Francesca Desmond intercepted the ball near Dominoes’ attacking circle with two minutes to go in the quarter and Falcons Black took the ball to goal where Olivia Mason scored a fantastic shot from distance. Falcons then held their own pass to win the quarter 11 goals to 10 (overall score: Falcons Black 29-30).

Quarter 4
Falcons retained their third quarter team for the final fifteen minutes. Falcons’ defence of Iman Thomas, Dom McKee and Kaylea McQuade patiently supported their attack, taking the ball through court and in doing so, opening up space for Falcons to play. Meanwhile Olivia Mason and Gabby Titley-Wilson worked tirelessly to open up the attacking circle, which allowed Katie Flaherty to feed Titley-Wilson, who scored a min-range shot. Falcons then held their centre pass, which put the teams on level terms. With time running out Falcons Black knew that they had to break Dominoes’ centre pass if they were to win the game. The home team stepped up the pressure and forced Dominoes’ long ball to go out of court. From the back line, Iman Thomas started the attack as Falcons’ defence once again drove the ball down court. Working together, the home team showed great skill and accuracy, eventually ending with Titley-Wilson scoring. Falcons still needed to score another goal to win the game though. With only a minute left on the clock the home team showed great patience and support, which paid off as Gaby Titley-Wilson scored the decisive goal. The whistle went and Falcons jumped for joy!! Falcons won the quarter 10 goals to 8 and won the match 39 goals to 38.

Final score: Falcons Black 39 – 38 Dominoes

Congratulations to Francesca Desmond who was awarded Player of the match.