Backing up from a tight one-goal win last week, the eighth-placed Steel dominated for most of the match despite several valiant Thunderbirds attempts to turn the game around in the first of the Round 5 trans-Tasman clashes.
A high turnover rate and an inability to make the most of their opportunities ultimately proved the undoing of the defending champions. On the other hand, Steel were for the most part, a model of composure.
Despite several strong Thunderbirds surges, Steel failed to crack, their low error rate, ability to hold on to possession for long spells and the court craft of wily captain Jodi Brown helped the visitors get the ball into the assured hands of shooting machine Jhaniele Fowler-Reid, who excelled with a personal haul of 50 goals.
It's the first time since Round 10, 2012 that the Thunderbirds have lost consecutive games.In a selfless move with the team’s best interest at heart, captain Renae Hallinan moved into the unfamiliar role of wing attack for Thunderbirds following the loss of Leigh Waddington to a season-ending injury.
With Rachel Rasmussen ruled out by injury, Steel had a new-look defence line made up of 20-year-olds Phoenix Karaka (goal defence) and Storm Purvis (goal keeper).
Steel impressed with their patient opening while Thunderbirds’ rejigged midcourt lacked fluency and as a result a shaky link with their shooters. Steel had few problems finding their 1.98m target of Fowler-Reid, the competition’s tallest player, as the visitors opened up a handy lead.
Thunderbirds goal attack Erin Bell was her usual clinical self, taking on the shooting load as a well-contained Carla Borrego struggled to make an impact, the Jamaican import taking nine minutes to slot her first goal.
With Fowler-Reid converting 17 shots and Thunderbirds guilty of too many turnovers, the Steel went to the first break with an 18-13 lead.
The home team were quick to implement changes on the resumption with Hallinan reverting to centre and Madeleine Proud to wing attack while Samantha Poolman took over the goal keeper’s bib from Kate Shimmin.
There was certainly more zip from the Thunderbirds during the second stanza, the extra impetus creating more turnover opportunities and allowing more involvement from Borrego.
Thunderbirds closed to within two but Steel impressed with their gritty resolve, the reliable midcourt of Shannon Francois, Phillipa Finch and Wendy Frew providing composure and a steady service while the young defensive duo also held up strongly.
Thunderbirds failed to make the most of their opportunities, the scoring ability of Fowler-Reid proving decisive as Steel hit the main break with their five-goal buffer intact when they led 35-30.
Reducing their error rate, Thunderbirds produced a stirring third quarter fight-back. Under more pressure Steel felt the pinch, turning the ball over and giving the Thunderbirds a sniff which they grabbed with both hands.
With more ball, Bell continued her standout contribution while Borrego also made her presence felt as the home team chipped into the deficit.
More hesitant on attack, Steel just kept their noses in front, weathering the storm but having their lead whittled to just one when they led 48-47 heading into the home straight.
