Jaegers mauled by Phoenix

The Melbourne Phoenix totally outclassed the Hunter Jaegers 73-47 in the first game of the double header at Vodafone Arena this evening.

The Phoenix, coming off a loss to the Swifts last week in Sydney were able to gain the ascendency early and overcome a strong Jaegers side captained by Australian squad member and forward Jane Altschwager.

In the first half, the Phoenix were able to get away to an early lead, which they retained going into half time, 37-22.

Second half saw the Phoenix really stamp their authority on the game, with Australian representatives Eloise Southby-Halbish and Sharelle McMahon both having good games shooting wise. Both players will have the confidence going into Wednesday's night Test match against New Zealand with plenty of game time under their belts.

Southby-Halbish played three quarters and shot an almost perfect game, netting 32 goals from 34 attempts at 94% accuracy, while McMahon, who copped a knock behind her knee and experienced some general soreness in her leading ankle shot at 81% (29/36).

The mid-court trio of Indrigd Dick, Natasha Chjklat and Melanie Vivian were hard at the ball all game and delivered it to the forward pack with almost military like precision.

Goal keeper Bianca Chatfield was the standout, playing her best game for the season despite still be impaired by illness.

For The Jaegers, Altschawager shot at 94% (28/34) and did her best to lead her tram to an otherwise unlikely victory. Lara Welham also showed promising signs up forward scoring 10 goals in limited court time.

Katie Bradstock and Jane Menzies played well in the mid-court but were unable to deliver the ball to Altschawager as often as the Phoenix mid-court trio were to their forwards.

Phoenix coach Julie Hoornweg was pleased with the result, "It was our best game for the year so far, by a long way. They all looked very alert on the court tonight and this shows we are now heading towards another finals campaign."

Goal keeper Bianca Chatfield was the standout, playing her best game for the season at goal keeper despite still be impaired by illness. "Bianca played really well, but we have been nursing her through the week and she hasn't been training on Monday's with the squad" said Hoornweg.

"The Thunderbirds will really test and more so at ETSA Park, which always attracts a big crowd regardless of the opposition" said Hoornweg when asked about next week's games against the rampaging Adelaide Thunderbirds on Friday night.

The Jaegers next encounter is against the AIS Canberra Darters at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre.

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