Cable Beach cruise towards netball finals, Pearler’s claim another victory

Round 14 of the Broome Netball Association division one competition played out on Tuesday evening, with the contest heating up as the finals loom closer. The 6.15pm clash between the Pearler’s Old Girls and the Broome Bullets saw highly skilful play, with Pearler’s gun goal shooter Ruby McWilliams dominating in the attack. Both teams were without key players in the first quarter, with the Bullets’ Tahlia Knox recovering from a knee injury and the Pearler’s missing Rebecca Boni for the first 15 minutes. Pearler’s were up by five points at the end of the first quarter, with the goal difference increasing to 14 points by the half time whistle, Pearler’s 30 to Bullets 16. The Bullets held on in the third quarter with Sophie Moore and Teagan Butler dominating in the middle, making strategic passes to goal shooter Lilli Best. There was a 13-point goal difference coming into the final quarter, which would set the Pearler’s up for a convincing win if they could hold on to the lead. A lack of effective communication proved to be the downfall for the Bullets who were unable to tighten their structure in time to pull through for the win, Pearler’s 56 to Bullets 36. Later at 7.45pm, the Djugun Flames fired up for a heated match against the ladder leaders Cable Beach. Currently sitting in fifth place on the season ladder, the Flames desperately needed the win and were strong in their attacks on Beach. But Cable Beach hit back hard with tight defence and solid structure, applying firm pressure up and down the court. A last minute surge from the Flames was sadly not enough to earn them their first win of the season, Cable Beach 46 to Djugun Flames 38. Cable Beach remain at the top of the season ladder on 20 points, followed by the Pearler’s Old Girls on 16 points and the Broome Bulls on 10 points. Round 15 will play out next Tuesday evening, with a clash between the Pearler’s Old Girls and the Djugun Flames at 6.15pm.