Swifts debutants shine against Tactix
The NSW Swifts round one victory over the Canterbury Tactix is one that three players in particular will remember for a long time to come.
Making her run-on (starting line up) debut for the NSW Swifts was goal keeper Emma Koster. The Blue Mountains junior, although earning two caps during the inaugural year of the ANZ Championship, was for the first time named in the NSW Swifts starting line-up. Lining up against former Silver Fern, Jodi Brown who was making her comeback after giving birth last year, Koster played out of her skin with her combination with Rebecca Bulley causing havoc for the Tactix attackers.
With Susan Pratley given a rest at half time, Sutherland Shire product Erin Bell got the nod at goal attack and got rid of the early nerves to sink one of the opening goals of the quarter. A member of the NSW Swifts premiership winning team in 2008, Bell displayed poise and accuracy as she shot truly over the long arms of England international, Sonia Mkoloma, finishing the game with 11 goals from 13 attempts at 85%.
First-year Swifts player, Samantha May was also handed her opportunity when Kimberley Smith was given a rest at half-time. The Baulkham Hills junior relished to opportunity to play against the likes of Silver Ferns Maree Bowden and Julie Seymour and got some useful tips and intercepts throughout the final quarter.
NSW Swifts captain Catherine Cox praised the efforts of her team last night, in particular Emma Koster.
"Emma, like the rest of us, is a confidence player ... she`s only going to get better and better," Cox said.
“I’m just thrilled everyone had a great game.”
The NSW Swifts will now start preparing for their round two Easter weekend clash with the Adelaide Thunderbirds in Adelaide on Sunday.
NSW Swifts next home game
Round 4, ANZ Championship
Round 4, ANZ Championship
NSW Swifts v LG Northern Mystics
Monday 27 April 2009
Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre
Monday 27 April 2009
Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre
Image: Jessica Goulburn
