Netball
16 April, 2025
Coach rapt with Panthers' 25-goal win
It was a contest far closer than the final score, said Rupanyup coach Georgia Hiscock.
The Panthers defeated Noradjuha Quantong 54-29; however, Hiscock said the game could have gone differently.
“We were down in the first quarter,” she said.
“I think it was because both teams were getting all those nerves out; both of us knew it was going to be a hotly contested game.
“It was very competitive.”
The last time the side’s met was in the HDFNL 2024 preliminary grand final where extra time was needed to find a winner.
The game looked to repeat history when the Bombers held a slim 14-12 lead.
“The message at quarter time was just to hold our heads high,” Hiscock said.
“Two goals is really nothing. It's one turnover and then a score off the center pass.
“We juggled some things around in our mid-court… which helped,” Hiscock said.
“We had quite a bit of depth, so it's always nice on those hot games to flick some new people in and get some fresh legs.”
A 14-5 second quarter saw Rupanyup seize the lead before the main break.
After conceding 14 goals in the first quarter, the Bombers could only add 15 more in the following three terms.
“We're so fortunate compared to previous years,” Hiscock said.
“In my first year as coach, I had to jump in the ring. I’m not tall enough these days.
“It's handy having three versatile tall defenders that you can see through our rotations."
After being limited to 12 goals in the opening term, Rupanyup scored 42 goals in the remaining three quarters.
The lead allowed the Panthers to test out different looks against Noradjuha Quantong, with one eye on a possible finals rematch.
“We've been able to put so many different players on the court in different positions and see what works,” Hiscock said.
“We have a really solid nine players. We're not just relying on just seven this year.
“It's really helpful that when we do have those little breaks in the game we can shuffle players.”