High scores bode well

Frenchville Fury’s Renae Dunne attracts attention from Bluebirds Falcons centre court players on Tuesday.

Sharyn Oneill

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• Netball Rockhampton

IT WAS a night for high scores in the Premier League games played at CQUniversity on Tuesday.

Scoring around 50 goals in a game is accepted as a good performance with shooters on their game, however, some teams managed far better returns with Bluebirds Eagles the best with a remarkable return of 73 goals from their match with Frenchville Flare.

Hotshots had given notice they would be the team to beat in the qualifying rounds but in the opening round of competition were unable to claim victory, drawing 44-44 with Bluebirds Kites in a high-scoring thriller.

Claws coach Barb Ahmat missed the round of games but the high scores have given her hope for representative selection in future years.

"Accuracy is something we've been missing with our shooters," she said. "The Claws need more shooters coming through."

At the weekend the Claws held their first training/ trial session for the new season and after much thought Ahmat has announced a squad of 19 players to prepare for the State competition which begins in March.

Many of the names on the list of players are not only new for Claws but also lack experience on the Rockhampton Leagues Club A-grade competition.

Nevertheless the coach is confident she can get her new-look squad to gel and step up to be a competitive unit.

In the centre court the Claws have a group of players with experience led by Carmen Anderson and backed up by Anna Young and rising star Shanita Smith.

However, it is circle defence and shooters where many of the "unknowns" have gained selection.

Ready to progress from the junior ranks into senior A-grade is Frenchville player Bridget Fletcher.

"She's a nice find," Ahmat said.

While the youngster has a lot to learn at a higher level of the game, Ahmat is hopeful she is able to gain experience from teammates.

"If she can work with Keanna (Hopkins) that would be fantastic," she added.

Hopkins is one of the more intense defenders in the Claws squad and capable of lifting Fletcher's game.

Emerald's Georgia Staal is another to have impressed at the trial.

"She has very good footwork," Ahmat noted.

Rebecca Thompson's year with Colts A-grade team gives her the experience and confidence to take her place in the circle defence while Pearl Hood got better and stronger as the 2011 season progressed.

Apart from Kira-Lee Leo all the shooters have a lot to prove.

Ahmat promises there is still time for players to force their way into the 2012 Claws line up.