The first and second quarters were very close, with both sides showing fight in a high intensity game. The Rockets were just in front at half time, after outscoring the Eagles by three points in the second quarter.

Forestville came out with some extra determination after half time and started to show some dominance. They had an 11 point lead at one stage during the third quarter and took an eight point lead into the final break. Unfortunately, they surged too early.

The Rockets completely dominated the last quarter, outscoring the Eagles by 16 points. Forestville’ were shooting at a low 20 per cent and despite their efforts and persistence, they just couldn’t keep up with the firing Rockets. The final margin was 13 points.

The Eagles had four players play over 35 minutes of game time and fatigue started to show in the last quarter, while the Rockets spread the load across their players and benefitted from it late.

Jo Hill was outstanding for North Adelaide, with 21 points, a game high of 11 rebounds, five assists and a steal. Teammate Jamie-Lee Peris wasn’t far behind with 20 points, nine rebounds, an assist and a steal. Both women used their height and athleticism to their advantage and were key parts of the North Adelaide line up.

Dani Angley was the highest scorer for the Eagles with 18 points. She also had two rebounds, assists and steals. Angley has had an excellent season and her improvement is visible. She has really cemented her spot in the team.

Shannon McKay and Kirsty Williams were strong for North Adelaide, scoring 17 and 14 points each. Williams also had five rebounds and two assists, while McKay had a rebound and an assist.

The Eagles are also benefitting having Mia Newley back on court, after she spent most of the season on the sidelines with a hip injury. She scored 13 points and also had ten rebounds, five assists and three steals.

Forestville lost Olivia Thompson in the crucial last two minutes of the final quarter with five fouls to her name. Thompson scored nine points and also had eight rebounds, two assists and a steal.

Jess Fergus played her usual full game time and scored 11 points, along with seven rebounds and four assists. Tara Robinson also had 11 points to her name. She also had five rebounds and two assists.

Next week North Adelaide will play the Sturt Sabres for the second time this finals series, hoping to secure a spot in the grand final. The loss spells the end of Forestville’s season.

North Adelaide Rockets 79 (Jo Hill 21, Jamie-Lee Peris 20, Shannon McKay 17)
Forestville Eagles 66 (Dani Angley 18, Mia Newley 13, Jess Fergus 11, Tara Robinson 11)

Stats Webcast

By Samantha Thomas.