GIANTS Netball have started their time in the Trans-Tasman challenge in the best way possible.
In the opening game of the pre-season competition, the GIANTS successfully defeated the Northern Stars by 15 goals.
The first centre pass went the way of the Stars, but pressure from Kristiana Manu’a caused confusion to their attack end, resulting in a change of possession and the first goal the way of the GIANTS.
After a mostly goal-for-goal first quarter, the GIANTS remained composed to pull out to a four-goal lead at the end of the first 15 minutes.
The second quarter was a reflection to the first, with on-par ball possession for both teams, but a strong finish gave the GIANTS a handy lead.
Holding an eight-goal lead heading into the second half, coach Julie Fitzgerald used the opportunity to rotate players, bringing on training partner Toni Anderson and GIANTS Netball Academy athletes Ange Frketic and Olivia Rowntree.
In the final quarter, Harten and Poolman were the only two players on court that had more than 15 elite games’ experience.
Returning to what was once home soil, Jo Harten and Jamie-Lee Price were both standout performers for the GIANTS.
Harten was the top-performing shooter across both teams, shooting 39/43 at 91 per cent.
Frketic, who played just under two quarters of netball at goal attack, shot at 90 per cent in her debut in the orange.
Price played a strong game in the centre, proving a strong option in attack and working tirelessly in defence.
Q1: 17 – 13
Q2: 35 – 27
Q3: 53 – 37
Q4: 67 – 52
Jo Harten 39/43 (91%)
Kiera Austin 19/24 (79%)
Ange Frektic 9/10 (90%)
