WANL 2023: Southside Demons hold off determined Souwest Jets to remain on top of the ladder

Despite providing a tough challenge, the Souwest Jets have been left grounded once again, going down to Southside Demons by 27 goals.

The Souwest Jets went head to head with table toppers Southside Demons during the eighth round of the 2023 WANL season on Friday at the Gold Netball Centre.

The Jets had a demanding challenge before them, with the Demons setting the competition standard with a 6-1 record going into the match, as well as featuring West Coast Fever training partner Natalie Butler.

The Demons were quick to fire out the gate during the opening term, keeping the Jets to scoring within single digits to lead 17-7 by quarter-time.

Despite falling back into the habit of playing catch-up netball, the Jets fought back during the second term, scoring 11-18 to try and put the pressure on the Demons.

However, the Demons held strong to lead 35-18 at half-time.

Following the main break, the Demons continued to blow the margin out while the Jets were left continuing to chase the Demons.

Despite trailing 52-28 at the final change, the Jets returned to the court for the final quarter with a vengeance.

The Jets brought the heat to the Demons in what was their best quarter for the match, scoring 17 goals to the Demons’ 20.

Despite the Jets finishing strong, the Demons proved too good, going on to win 72-45, with Kelsey McPhee scoring a game-high 29 goals from 35 shots, Meg Gallager and Rebecca Lill both scoring 16 goals from 18 shots and Butler racking up 11 goals from 12 shots.

Lisa Millman was the highest scorer for the Jets, racking up 16 goals from 19 shots, followed by Giselle Taylor with 15, Ciara Hillery with 13 and Marene Peyper also contributing.

The Jets will look to redeem their round seven efforts when they face the West Coast Warriors on Friday.