A double header weekend resulted in two devastating losses for the Gold Coast Titans Sapphire Series team, going down to the ladder leaders Brisbane North Cougars 47 – 72 on Saturday. This loss was followed by a 37 – 65 point loss to QUT Netball on Sunday.
Despite uncharacteristic performances from the Titans, both the Ruby and Sapphire series sides were welcomed on to the court with a home crowd at Carrara Indoor Stadium for the second time this season. The energy that was felt from the Gold Coast arena made the sting of the loss less intense, making the team proud to represent the city.
Up against the Cougars on Saturday, it was a game of two halves as Titans Netball had a great start, coming away with a first quarter lead. Shooters Abigail Meafou and Olivia Dijkstra had a tough fight ahead of them but started the game with poise and grit, helping their team gain advantage early on.
However, the game slowly slipped away from the Titans, as the cougars showed their class clawing back a slight lead heading into half time. Despite the efforts of defenders Jessica Milne and Bryah Gafa against a slick shooting circle, the Cougars began to do their damage in the second half of the game across the court.
As the scoreboard blew out, the Titan’s efforts never waivered, but were unfortunately overpowered by the superior Brisbane North Cougars, who went on to retain their undefeated record.
The Gold Coast Titans Ruby Series side also came away with a loss, however a much narrower score line and a devastatingly exhilarating final quarter was the result for the team, going down to QUT Netball 42 – 49. For much of the game, there was a single point difference between two teams as they battled hard for the lead.
Defenders Tehya Hyssett and Darcie Davies came away with some incredible intercepts from their strong defensive efforts. However, the turnovers gained throughout the match weren’t enough for the Titans, as QUT Netball exploited their lead in the final quarter to leave the Gold Coast in a 5-point deficit as the final siren blew.
On Sunday, the Sapphire Series side had a chance for redemption, coming up against QUT Netball at Nissan Arena. The game started slowly for the Titans, which left a gap that was too big to breach for the rest of the match.
A first-class QUT side took control in the game, with swift through court play and clever defence vanquishing the chances for a comeback as the minutes ticked by. However, there were moments of greatness from the Titans, which piercing passages of play from mid court Dakota Newson and another great performance from defender Bryah Gafa.
Despite two somber losses for the Gold Coast Titans, the Sapphire Series side still remain in the top 4 and have a chance of securing their spot in finals over the next two weeks.The Ruby Series team also remain in third place, as they hope to fight off other contenders to keep their finals dream alive.
The Titans have two important games next weekend, as the Sapphire Series team take on Brisbane South Wildcats on Sunday at 6pm – a-must win game for the side. The Ruby Series team take on an in-form Carina Leagues Club Tigers at 12pm on Sunday at Nissan Arena.
Whilst rest and refocus is on the cards for both teams this week, the girls and coaches will be up and about at the Gold Coast Titans Netball School Holiday Programs! Held across the Northern and Southern Gold Coast, young netballers have the chance to be coached by New Zealand Silver Fern legend, Temepara Bailey and meet their Titans idols at these fun sessions.
