Netball: Six of the best for the Sting

By JULIE ASH

Sting 63 - Flames 55

It was anything but the close game many had predicted, but that was of little concern to Southern Sting who swept aside the Canterbury Flames at Stadium Southland last night to claim their sixth consecutive national league title.

Following their convincing win over the Force in the semifinals many thought the Flames had a strong chance of bringing the Sting's reign to an end, but after a promising start, the wheels fell off the Flames wagon midway through the first quarter and it was downhill from there.

Ahead 9-3 halfway through the first quarter the Flames made the most of a tentative start from Sting goal shoot Natalie Avellino.

The former Australian international bungled a couple of early shots which the Flames capitalised on at other end.

However a short injury break spurred the Sting into gear. The defending champions scored nine goals compared with the Flames' three in the later stages of the quarter which secured them a comfortable 17-14 lead at the first break.

Wasting no time Flames coach Margaret Foster rung in the changes to try and open up her side's attack. Goal attack Belinda Colling, who had a 100 per cent shooting record in the first quarter, was moved to wing attack, Jodi Te Huna from goal shoot to goal attack and Chantelle Ngaia, who has barely taken the court all season, came in at goal shoot.

But the goals kept coming at a rapid rate for the Sting. The Flames had no answer for the Sting's speed and precision passing through court.

As has been the case all season Sting midcourters Adine Harper and Lesley Nicol had impeccable timing through court and had little trouble connecting with shooters Avellino and Donna Loffhagen despite the imposing figure of Flames goal keep Vilimaina Davu.

A run of goals late in the quarter saw the Sting lead 35-25 at halftime.

Foster reverted back to her original lineup for the third quarter to little avail.

The Flame made a few inroads clawing back to within seven but the Sting defenders created mayhem for their opponents and secured a number of turnovers late in the quarter which saw the Southerners head into the last quarter with an impressive 52-41 lead.

The Flames shooters had the better shooting percentages but simply didn't get enough ball.

Despite Colling's best efforts to rally her troops the fire was barely flickering in the Flames camp during the final 15 minutes.