MATCH: Aztec Prem 1 v Mellons Bay 1
DATE: 30th March 2012
RESULT: 34 / 47 Mellons Bay 1
Aztec started the first quarter with a new look defensive line up this week. Mellons Bay defensive pressure caused Aztec to struggle to cope with the new combinations and exposed some complacency in the first quarter.
1st quarter score: 10 – 14 Mellons Bay
Coach Winnie Hauraki made changes in the 2nd quarter, introducing Ashleigh Timoko & Leonie Matoe into the game, hoping they could inject their experience & settle the team. Shanna Coetzee worked tirelessly to rally her team, mirroring the hunger and determination that the opposition displayed.
½ time score: 18 – 26 Mellons Bay
The 3rd quarter was a better quarter for Aztec, with Matoe coming off the transverse line to take centre passes and Coetzee remaining in form to assist the through court play.
¾ score: 29 – 35 Mellons Bay
Aztec defence struggled to shut down the Mellons Bay attack, leaving them static & caught behind their opposition players. Valentina Fesolai was reintroduced to the court providing some great turn over ball for her team, but Aztecs lack of concentration meant that the turnovers were not capitalised on.
Aztec shooting circle struggled to adjust to calls, culminated by some poor decision making in attack, the last quarter pretty much represented the overall poor showing of a complacent and intensity lacking Aztec side.
Coach Hauraki said after the game “Very disappointed with individual focus & concentration. Individuals looked tired and unprepared to match the intensity of our opposition, well done to Mellons Bay - they were dynamic & played as a team unit. I thought Shanna worked her butt off tonight - she took just about every second pass and was relentless on defence.”
Aztec has much to work on before facing off against North’s 2nd seed team Shore Rovers on Friday, 13th April at Onewa Arena, Netball North Harbour 6.30pm.
MVP Award: Shanna Coetzee