WEDNESDAY saw both South Coast Blaze sides hit the court for round seven of the NSW Premier Netball competition.
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The under 23s side, who were top of Conference B, went head-to-head against North Shore United, who were top of Conference A.
North Shore United came out with a point to prove against South Coast Blaze, attempting to end their unbeaten run in the 2020 season.
The Blaze started with their tried and tested attacking combo of Ky-Mani Schwenke (GS), Emily Dunn (GA), Kiah Yealland (WA) and Clare McCrohon (C), going into the end of the first quarter with a two-goal lead.
But a 13-10 quarter by United saw them turn things around in the second and enter half-time with a one-goal lead.
A change in the shooting circle brought more movement for the Blaze and proved pivotal, with Figtree's Mia Evans coming on at GS and helping the side to 12-8 and 15-11 advantages in the third and fourth quarter respectively.
These dominant displays saw the Blaze run out 49-42 winners at full-time.
The club's under 23s side is proving too hot to handle at the moment, which is a fantastic sign for the franchise's future.
In the open's fixture, the Blaze commenced the game without their superstar mid-court and franchise captain Taylah Davies, who was out this week due to injury.
The match opened with a battle between both shooters, seeing a high scoring first quarter. Co-Captain Abbey McFadden had an impact at GA with speed and accuracy, helping Blaze nose in front 19-18.
Errors crept into Blaze's game in the second, with United turning the game around, to take a seven-goal lead at half-time.
The Blaze, unfortunately, couldn't reign in the scoreline despite their best efforts and fresh legs with Shelby Mallon coming on at GA in the third quarter, going down by 13 (74-61) in the end.
Not all was lost for the Blaze though, with a strong opening and excellent confidence from Abbey McFadden at the post early being a key highlight of their game.
The mid-court, featuring Katelyn Begley, Chaise Vassallo, Te-Arn Bradley, and Elecia Parrott, also put on a gallant performance without co-Captain Taylah Davies - with the attack end continuing to feed Kristina Brice some beautiful balls.
The Blaze open's team have had a tough first season but they are determined to keep going, which is a credit to their character and shows how important they are as role models for the franchise.
