WANL 2023: Souwest Jets still chasing first win after fading out against Southside Demons on home court

Despite showing promising signs of improvement from an ordinary season opener, a fourth-quarter fade-out that led to a 71-46 loss has left the Souwest Jets continuing to chase their first win of the WANL season.

The Souwest Jets made their return to centre court at the Eaton Recreation Centre during the second round of the WA Netball League season, going up against the Southside Demons on Sunday.

Looking to bounce back from last week’s 37-goal loss to East Freo Sharks, the Jets were off to a firing start, bringing the pressure to the Demons in an even contest during the opening term.

With strong defensive pressure by Amy Donaldson and driving by Marene Peyper, who found herself up against her old team, the Jets looked like a rejuvenated side.

Despite Meg Gallager building up a lead for the Demons, strong feeds from Peyper to Brooke Gibson helped the Jets fight back and bring the scores level.

However, it did not take long for the Demons to take back control, with defender Chanel Gomes putting the pressure on shooters Gibson and Giselle Taylor to help her team pull away.

Strong feeds from Ella Eastaugh helped the Jets fight back late to trail by four goals at quarter time.

The Jets continued their fightback early in the second term with quick driving down the court, however defenders Claire Pickerill and Jen Brown found themselves struggling to shut down Gallager, who continued extending the Demons’ lead.

The tide would soon turn in the favour of the Jets, with Brooke O’Connor taking the court and putting the pressure on Gallager.

The substitution seemed to rally the Jets, with Brooke Repacholi putting the pressure on in wing defence, Peyper continuing to find space, and Taylor making strong finishes in the goal circle.

Despite an impressive interception by Brown, the Demons held on to lead 34-25 at half-time.

Following the main break, the Jets continued fighting hard for a comeback with Repacholi getting some movement down the court, Taylor making more shots on goal, and O’Connor continuing to put the pressure on in defence.

Despite the Jets putting in a solid effort and working well as a collective, the Demons once again started to pull away in the midst of strong defending by Gomes and accurate shots on goal by Kelsey McPhee to lead 49-33 at the final change.

Although the final term had an even start, the Demons soon took control and extended their lead.

While O’Connor continued to do wonderful things in defence, the Jets struggled to convert, the Demons holding strong to win 71-46.

The Jets will return to the Eaton Recreation Centre this weekend, where they will take on the Rangers on Sunday March 26.