Kiwis 38 V 30 Tulloch Tornados
Kiwis started strong with good pressure from their defenders Kim Johnson and Natasha Tulloch making Tulloch’s shooters work hard. Kiwis shooter Dawn Manson moved around the circle well and was shooting very accurately. Tulloch’s fast pace began to unsettle Kiwis however Emma Niven, centre player for Kiwis worked to slow the pace up the court and regain composure. The result of the first quarter ended 10-7 to Kiwis.
Tahlia Leslie for Tulloch’s scored the first goal of the second quarter. Tulloch’s tighter defence forced Kiwis to play the ball backwards multiple times. Kiwis managed to maintain possession with Kylie Wood making fast, short passes into the circle. The beginning of this quarter saw Tulloch’s making a comeback however Kiwis quickly dominated again with Natasha Tulloch making many interceptions.
Kiwis made a few changes going into the third quarter with Rhianne Colvin coming on as GA and Lauren Smith on at WD. Tulloch’s centre player Claire Morris made some great interceptions this quarter disrupting Kiwis flow. Cameron Johnson (WA) for Tulloch’s was great support up the court and was tactical in winning centre passes. Fantastic shooting from Tulloch players Tahlia Leslie and Josie Smith who were risking distance shots. This was Tulloch’s highest scoring quarter however, it wasn’t enough to catch Kiwis leaving the score at 38-30.
The pressure was on for Kiwis as Tulloch’s began the quarter by consistently winning their centres. With Kiwis communication, strong passing and fantastic shooting by Dawn Manson, Kiwis continued to lead leaving the final score at 38-30 to Kiwis. Kiwis players of the match was Dawn Manson and for Tulloch Tornadoes was Cameron Johnston.