A massive second half proved the difference for Vipers in Saturday’s opening round of the Orange Netball Association (ONA) Toyota Cup at Sir Neville Howse Stadium, inspiring the black and teal bibs to a 44-20 win over Orange City Drive-Thru Cleaners.
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After leading 19-11 at half-time Vipers produced sterling third and fourth quarter showings against the Lions, winning the second stanza 25-9 and ultimately running away with the 24-goal triumph.
“It was a really good way to start the season, blow some cobwebs out and get a win,” Vipers defensive gun Sophie Fardell, one of the best on court, beamed just after full-time.
“Orange City played really well, so we’re really pleased to get the win.”
The season-opening win wasn’t Vipers’ only reason to smile though.
The off-season acquisition of former NCAA – American college level, for those playing at home – basketball star Sophie Kleeman has the potential to pay huge dividends for the side, after she impressed in her Toyota Cup debut.
In her first game in ONA’s top division, Kleeman hit her straps in the attacking third during Vipers’ big third quarter – which they won 11-5 – hitting several long-range shots.
Her range, developed from years of playing elite-level basketball, should prove to be a real danger for the competition’s other sides as it adds a crucial point of difference to Vipers’ already bulging attacking stocks.
Em Callaway started in the GA bib but when she moved up court, or went off, Kleeman slotted in and gelled beautifully with GS Mel Vardanega.
“[Sophie] said to me at one stage that she couldn’t get a shot from close range. Coming from that level of basketball we know she can shoot, so we pretty much told her to shoot from wherever she likes,” Fardell laughed.
“It’s been great having her come on board this year, she played really well today and it was really nice to be able to get a win in her first game for Vipers.”
The young Lions took it to their older, more experienced counterparts in the early stages of the season-opening fixture.
It was physical, with a number of fierce individual battles being played out across the court – none more so than Bridie McClure and Lilly Porch in the centre court.
Both were superb, and everywhere, as the two sides were deadlocked for the majority of the opening period.
Shooting percentages at both ends were low, but that was more to do with the two sides’ defensive efforts than any attacking lapses.
At quarter-time Vipers led 7-5 before pulling away slightly in the second period. They led the Lions 19-11 at half-time, before a second half blitz.
The signs for the young Lions were promising though, it was experience that told for Vipers in the end.
Vipers’ win was in the first of four games in Saturday’s opening round.
Hawks Royal came out on top of Life Studio Mid West Eyes. Although the latter side pushed last year’s runners-up all the way, the two blues triumphed 49-39.
Hawks Central Fitness also claimed a win in its first game in the top division, trumping Kinross 34-31 in a thriller.
In the final game of the afternoon, Orange City and Life Studio played out a brutal round one clash, which had all the hallmarks of a grand final preview despite being in the opening round.
Orange City, formerly Robin Hood, came out on top, eventually winning 46-38 and celebrating their first win in orange and green.
Or, white and black rather. The Lions’ kit didn’t arrive in time for the opening round, unfortunately.