Tara Murray
City West Falcons have locked up top spot on the Victorian Netball League championship ladder with three rounds to go.
The Falcons had a pair of strong wins last week, firstly against the Peninsula Waves on Wednesday night and then against the North East Blaze on Sunday.
Jane Cook put on a show on Wednesday night, shooting 86 goals from 86 attempts in the Falcons’ 89-51 win despite missing three starters and four members of their squad.
They backed it up on Sunday against the North East Blaze, winning 70-59.
Falcons coach Marg Lind said they were pretty happy with the performance against the Blaze, which is a top four side.
“We had a good start and that set it up,” she said.
“We jumped out of the blocks. It was pretty physical especially as the game wore on. We have to prepare for a variation of tactics going forward.
“It was very competitive and it’s good to get the win, that’s for sure.”
The Falcons welcomed back Maggie Lind and Montana Holmes, who both missed Wednesday night’s game.
Lind said the pair along with Soli Ropati had a really good game in the midcourt, with the two attacking mids really hitting the circle edge.
She said Sussu Liai has a really good second half playing tagging role on Blaze goal attack Georgia Moody.
“We played pretty well as a team,” Lind said. “We don’t have those standout performers, everyone is toeing the line.”
The win puts the Falcons four games clear on top of the ladder, with just three rounds remaining, meaning they have secured the minor premiership.
The Falcons under-23 team had a 55-46 loss to the Blaze.
The side was up at half time before the Blaze came back strong in the second half to come away with the win.
Lind said the side continues to be up and down with the lack of experience showing at times.
“We need to make sure we make the top four and then pull out some good games,” she said.
“We’re not established like the championship side, it’s a different journey.”
Despite back-to-back losses, the Falcons remain in fourth spot and have a two game gap on Geelong.
The Falcons are again on the road this week, facing the Melbourne University Lightning on Wednesday night.
Lind said it’s always tough on the road but would give them good experience with a bigger crowd in place before the finals.
