Kestrels win for the first time in 2006

The Melbourne Kestrels recorded their first win for season 2006, after they defeated the Hunter Jaegers 61-31 in game one of the double header at Vodafone Arena this afternoon.

First half become a no contest early on when the Kestrels jumped away to an early lead 2-0 lead courtesy of Caitlin Thwaites and the Jaegers were unable to put breaks on the scoring as the Kestrels lead at the main break 34-19.

Second half was much of the same, as the Kestrels built on the lead they already had with Chelsea Nash and Madison Browne combining well to prove their worth as one of the better midcourt combinations in the competition.

Thwaites, who shot 41 goals from 46 attempts at 89% and Andrea Booth (20/26 at 77%) were both impressive with their performances inside the circle.

For the Jaegers, Jane Altschwager (36/44 at 82%) was the main spearhead and received good support from Lara Welham (5/8 at 62%).

Best on court for the Kestrels was co-captain Chelsea Nash, who provided plenty of drive from wing attack into the forward pack.

Altschwager was best on court for the Jaegers; as she tried to lead from the front in a thwarted attempt to get her team back in the match during the second half.

Kestrels coach, Jane Searle was happy to finally taste victory after losing the first three games of the season.

“All our defensive pressure was great and I’m really wrapt with we did in the first half.”

“We’ve been competitive in all the games, but haven’t been able to finish well and playing a good 15 minutes is what you need to do at CBT level.”

Bianca Franklin was missing from the line up due to having a virus during the week and is also still carrying a bruised heel injury which led to her being under prepared leading into the season opener against the Swifts.

Next week, the Kestrels are at home to the Adelaide Thunderbirds at Waverley Netball Centre and the Jaegers host the Queensland Firebirds in Newcastle, with both games to be played on Friday nights.

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