Rezzers’ strength shines through in the last quarter

After losing out to Lightning Strike in last season’s Deloitte Winter League Premier Division play-off, which prevented them from winning a fourth straight title, they beat their foils 49-36 at Les Varendes High School in their first meeting since.

Lightning have entered the new season weighed down by injuries and did well to hold on until late into quarter three, after which Rezzers cruised clear.

New captain Abby McCracken had to credit her side’s strong finish.

‘The mix of youth and experience got us through the game and once we settled, the second half was more free-flowing,’ said a player who has excelled consistently at GK in recent years.

‘The final quarter we stepped it up a notch, which allowed us to create the scoreline we did. Happy with the win.’

Rezzers welcomed back star shooter Clare Henry for the Grammar School duel after a long hiatus, rotating her with fellow comeback-seeker Verona Tomlin and teenager Emma Sykes.

They started faster than Lightning and won quarter one 14-10.

Lightning had welcomed back several players from injury, including mid-courter Lydia McClean and shooter Megan Wyatt-Nicolle, and edged quarter two to lag just 24-21 at half-time.

They continued this momentum to draw level deep into quarter three, but Rezzers restored their advantage, hitting the interval 33-30 up.

Lightning then suffered for their tired legs and some under-trained players as they lost touch in the final quarter.

But Lightning coach Donna Brehaut, who soon hopes to return from her own injury troubles, took plenty of positives.

‘We were really pleased with our performance,’ she said.

‘To hold on and get level deep into the third quarter, that was really positive for us.

‘We knew it was going to be a challenge as we have got players coming back from injury.’

U19 centre Sophie Taylor’s great turnovers earned her player-of-the-match for Lightning.

Lightning were hard-pressed to nominate their opposition POM for Rezzers, who impressed through the court, but decided on rival U19 mid-courter Evie Robinson.

McCracken also praised Sykes for her resilience against Lightning’s strong and physical defensive circle.

‘We took a while to find our rhythm but the last half we seemed to settle and play some great netball,’ the Rezzers captain added.

‘We defended well throughout the whole court.

‘We used our squad really effectively, showing flexibility and adapting to the needs of the game.’