NSW 17/U STATE TEAM UPSETS HOST QLD TO OPEN NATIONALS CAMPAIGN
The 17/U NSW State Team have started their 2011 National Netball Championship in terrific fashion with a gutsy 32-28 come-from-behind victory over hosts Queensland this morning.
It was a tough task to come up against the host team in their opening game and NSW made a slightly nervous start. QLD came out strong with great defence and their shooters were combining well with the midcourt, allowing the hosts to break away to a 13-7 lead at the first break.
NSW came out of the first change with more confidence and closed the margin to two goals at halftime, 16-14.
Tall shooter Kristina Brice entered the game in the third quarter creating an easy target under the post for the NSW feeders but the Queenslanders held off the NSW charge; the margin remained two goals at the final break, 25-23.
NSW WD Madeline Hay (pictured) made a big impact in the final quarter, getting an early turnover and working the angles. NSW took the lead for the first time with less than six minutes to play in the fourth quarter, overpowering QLD to steal the win in their first game at the tournament.
The team has a few hours to recover before another tough game, against South Australia at 3.00pm.
2011 17/U National Netball Championships Fixture and Results
NSW 17/U Match Schedule
Friday, 15 April
Round 1 NSW 32 def QLD 28 8:30am
Round 2 NSW v SA 3:00pm
Saturday, 16 April
Round 3 NSW v ACT 10:30am
Round 4 NSW v VIC 4:30pm
Sunday, 17 April
Round 5 NSW v NT 9:00am
Round 6 NSW v WA 3:00pm
Monday, 18 April
Round 7 NSW v TAS 11:30am
Tuesday, 19 April
Semi-Finals
Wednesday, 20 April
Finals