Netball: Sting set themselves for six straight titles

By JULIE ASH

Sting 55 Flames 52


The Sting held off a spirited Canterbury Flames side at Stadium Southland last night to claim a thrilling win and a place in the final of the National Bank Cup.

They advance directly to the final on June 18, while the Flames square off against the winner of tomorrow's match between the Force and the Magic.

The all-conquering Sting will be chasing their sixth successive title.

After their upset loss to North Harbour's Force last weekend, the Sting were expected to come out firing, especially at home in Sting-ver-cargill.

With few strong options available, Sting coach Robyn Broughton made just one change to the side who lost to the Force, starting with Reinga Te Huia at wing defence instead of Wendy Telfer.


The Flames were the more dominant in the early stages, with some bruising defence from Vilimaina Davu helping her side to an early three-goal lead.


Their advantage was not to last, however, as an avalanche of unforced errors allowed the Sting to pile on the points and take a 16-13 lead into the first break.

The Flames started strongly in the second quarter and got themselves to within one point of their opposition. But midway through the quarter the wheels fell off again as they struggled to find a way through the Sting's formidable defensive duo of Anna Galvan and Jenny Ferguson, who were effective in shutting down the Flames' dominant shooter, Jodi Te Huna.

The Sting led by six at one stage in the second quarter, but failed to extend the gap and the Flames fought back to trail by just two, 28-30, at halftime.

Little separated the sides throughout the third quarter. Again the Sting's speed on attack proved difficult for the Flames, but they did pick up some ball through the hesitancy of Sting goal shoot Natalie Avellino to attempt shots out wide.

The Sting had a two-goal lead, 43-41, going in to the last quarter.

The Flames' unforced errors continued, proving costly against a side as good as the Sting.

The visitors scored three late turnovers, but failed to convert, handing the Sting the win and a place in the final.

Sting 55 (N. Avellino 22/30, D. Loffhagen 33/36). Flames 52 (J. Te Huna 22/28, B. Colling 30/31).