WANL round 2: Warriors brought back down to earth

The West Coast Warriors were brought crashing back down to Earth after their round one thrashing of the reigning WA Netball League premiers, going down to the Fremantle Sharks 56-52 in round two action last week.

The Warriors began the match strongly, jumping out to a three-goal lead in the opening term before the Sharks levelled the scores at half-time, with a third-quarter surge then proving the difference.

Warriors shooter Zoe Harper once again dominated the scoring with 46 goals, but the Sharks shared the goals between Aisha Morcombe (31) and Sophie Eastaugh (15).

Warriors’ Hana Stokes celebrated 100 WANL games but it was the Sharks who remained undefeated and moved to second on the ladder.

Southside Demons shot to the top of the ladder with their second consecutive win, dominating Peel Lightning in the opening half to lead 31-17 at half-time and cruising to a 56-39 victory.

The reliable Demons shooting trio of Meg Gallager (30), Georgia Pitt (16) and Georgia Ettridge (10) continued to show great consistency, while Lightning shooter Kasey Ridout finished with 34 goals.

Lightning’s Chelsea Bartlett also celebrated 100 WANL games.

Reigning premiers Comets shook off last week’s surprise loss, dominating the opening three quarters against Souwest Jets on their way to a 61-36 win, with shooting pair Madeleine Ash (37) and Sloan Burton (21) instrumental in building the lead.

The Jets won the final quarter by two goals in a promising sign against such a strong side.

The Western Roar moved into the top four with their first win of the season, consigning the Rangers to their second consecutive loss 55-32 and sending them to the foot of the table.

A massive third quarter from Roar broke the game open, winning the term by 12 goals and creating momentum heading into the final quarter. Sophia Lamers shot 37 goals for Roar alongside Asha Parsons (nine) and debutant Mia Burton (nine).