By Phina Newton
In the second game of the Easter Sunday clashes, the Adelaide Thunderbirds faced off against the GIANTS. It was a tight contest and despite a strong performance from the Thunderbirds, it was the GIANTS desperation that got them over the line.
Behind the strong shooting of Sophie Dwyer, well assisted by Jo Harten, the GIANTS meant business at the start of this game. On defence, Amy Parmenter had active hands early and was doing what she does best, making things difficult for the Thunderbirds. This continued throughout the game, her, and Jamie-Lee Price’s presence insufferable for their opposition.
The second quarter was the opposite result of the first. The Thunderbirds outscoring the GIANTS by five goals to even the score line and to regain some confidence heading into the break. This was a result of some strong shooting from the Thunderbirds’, but also their defenders lifting their intensity and being very disruptive down the other end.
This aggressive defence continued into the second half, with Shamera Sterling and Latanya Wilson leading from the front. Their length and athleticism were an obvious advantage, however, their excellent sense of timing and ability to read the path of the ball was what allowed them to contest so well.
The Super Shot was yet again on show, Sophie Dwyer having no fear in taking it. This proved crucial down the track, the GIANTS taking full advantage of the two-point shot.
Dwyer wasn’t the only young player on the court feeling confident, the home-grown star Lucy Austin was feeling it too and provided her team with a steady hand and some clutch shooting.
All game the focus for the Thunderbirds was to be efficient when regaining the ball, however by the fourth quarter, it was evident that this goal was not being met. A lack of care in the mid-court allowed the GIANTS to win the ball and then capitalise at their own end, growing their lead through the super shot conversion.
It was a valiant effort from the Thunderbirds, but the sheer determination of the GIANTS prevailed. It was a game of firsts, the Giants securing their first win whilst handing the Thunderbirds their first loss of the season.
