The Gold Coast Titans have made their mark on the Sapphire Series competition after taking out the Mendi Rays 58-47 in their first game of the season.
Coach Temepara Bailey stated that “representing the club is massive especially being the inaugural Titans Netball team,” and mentioned that “there were a lot of nerves out there.”
The Titans started strongly and raced to a first quarter lead, before the Rays clawed their way back into the contest.
Bailey said, “We’ve got a good mix of experience and youth coming through and the ones that have been in and played the Sapphire Series before definitely shone out there,” adding that “there were those little dips throughout the game, but they came back and everyone chipped in and did something little which created a lot more points on the board.”
Abigail Meaufou made her presence felt in the circle and had a strong start to the game at goal attack.
A long break in play temporarily halted the Titans momentum with the Rays goal attack injuring her ankle and having to leave the court in a wheelchair.
The Titans quickly stretched their two-goal quarter time lead, with Bayley d’Hotman de Villiers and Bryah Gafa both making momentum turning intercepts.
Bailey said that she was “really proud of our defensive end but also our attackers who transitioned into defence.”
In front 31 goals to 23 at the half, Lily Gray moved to centre with captain Kristen Oxenford spending time at wing defence. The duo controlled the mid-court and provided a strong service to Olivia Djikstra, Leah Pue and Meaufou who all shot well in the quarter.
Jessica Milne had the tough task of shutting down the Rays goal shooter and did a stellar job in her debut Titans game.
“I think Jess has had a lack of confidence and I don’t know why, but it’s great to see her out there and I hope she takes this game away and builds that confidence in herself,” said Bailey.
The Titans took a 10-goal lead into three quarter time (45 goals to 35), finishing on a 58-47 victory for their first game in Titans history.
“It’s pretty special, not just for the Titans community but also just for our tight knit team, just to have each other’s back and that belief is something we are going to build on throughout the season,” said Bailey.
The Gold Coast Titans made it a double win as the Ruby Series team performed in a see-sawing match, defeating the Panthers 45-42.
Both sides traded the lead and were locked at 31-all at the three quarter break.
The Titans established the advantage early in the last quarter and were able to grab a first-up win.
It was a historic day for the Titans, with 20 players making their club debut - capping an outstanding start in both competitions with wins.
