Jhaniele Fowler-Reid of the Steel. Photo / Getty
It might be time for Australian teams to acknowledge the threat of the Southern Steel.
Noeline Taurua's team continued their unbeaten run in the ANZ Championship on Saturday, with a convincing 65-56 win over the Melbourne Vixens.
In another polished display, the Steel led throughout the match, extending their lead
in each quarter. At times the Vixens drew close - especially in the first and second quarter - only for a sustained burst of scoring from the home side.
This display must add weight to the Steel's championship credentials. The feeling remains that their success this season, where they have won 11 of 12 matches (with a draw the only blot) has been underestimated. Sure, they have been competing in the New Zealand conference, which is particularly weak this year and a bit of an embarrassment compared with the cut throat competition across the Tasman.
But the Steel are improving every week and have now beaten four of the five Australian teams; their chance for a clean sweep will come next week in Sydney against the Swifts. It's an eye catching achievement and they will be tough to beat come finals time, especially with a home playoff.
