WANL 2023: Souwest Jets fall just short of breaking Curtin Hamersley Comets’ undefeated streak

A strong second-quarter effort and a cameo appearance from a West Coast Fever defender was not enough for the Souwest Jets to pull off a huge upset, falling just short of breaking a top team’s undefeated streak.

The Jets found themselves quickly bouncing back from their round-four loss to Western Roar by going up against Curtin Hamersley Comets in round five of the 2023 WANL season at the Gold Netball Centre in Perth on Tuesday.

Going into the match, the Jets had some valuable back-up in defence in the form of West Coast Fever squad member Rudi Ellis, who was one of several Fever players and training partners that made cameo appearances on the court.

From the outset, the Comets were in firing form with midcourters Lindal Rohde and Brittany Turnbull quickly driving the ball down the court to shooters Sloan Burton and Jasmah Haywood to give themselves an early lead.

Down the other end of the court, Giselle Taylor and Brooke Gibson found themselves up against strong defensive forces in Liz Dronfield and Ella Taylor.

However, Taylor managed to break through about five minutes into the opening term and score the Jets’ opening goal.

While the Jets managed to start finding their rhythm and push their way into the contest, the Comets held on to lead 12-7 at quarter-time.

A fast start by Brooke Gibson saw the Jets firing out the gate in the second term, while Ellis was putting the pressure on Haywood in defence.

The Jets soon began shaving the margin down as Gibson and Elycce Webb managed strong feeds into Taylor, while Gibson made several impressive shots of her own.

As the Comets looked to give themselves more wiggle room on the scoreboard, both sides soon found each other going goal for goal until the Jets worked up to hold a narrow lead 25-23 at half-time.

Despite another strong start to the third quarter, the Comets looked to fight back by bringing Aitaua Enari on to the court to replace Haywood as shooter.

Ellis and Claire Pickerill quickly found themselves in physical contests against Enari and Burton as the Comets started closing in on the Jets.

Strong defensive pressure from Ella Taylor and Mia Henderson also helped the Comets towards taking the lead, while Gibson found herself limping off the court with a suspected ankle injury.

By the final change, the Comets had taken back the lead 37-32.

The Comets were back to their firing form during the final term with Enari shooting goal after goal to extend their lead.

While the Jets put up a solid fight, it was not enough to break the Comets’ undefeated streak.

The Comets sealed their fifth win in a row 53-42.

The Jets will now spend the next two weeks recuperating and building their way back to peak performance before the WANL season returns for round six on April 21, when the Jets will host Peel Lightning at the Eaton Recreation Centre.