Flyers ready for semi-final clash

Ipswich Flyers prepare for Schweppes Challenge semi-final action against Jimboomba tomorrow.

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IPSWICH has regained winning momentum ahead of tomorrow’s Schweppes Challenge elimination semi-final against Jimboomba.

The Flyers suffered their first loss in nine weeks when they went down to Northern Gold Coast on August 19.

But a 62-41 win over Southport Carrara last Thursday restored their confidence in the Queensland tier three competition.

“It was a great win,” Flyers captain Emilie McInally said.

“It was good to have a good convincing win going into the finals.”

McInally was particularly pleased with the efforts of defenders Lauren Nieuwenberg and Thalia Vandenberg.

“(Vandenberg) was up against a goal attack who saw a lot of ball.

“It was tough but she did a really good job.”

The Flyers used the game to work on some combinations that could prove crucial in the finals.

The Flyers’ defence has been their strength all season but the likely absence of the injured Steph Lee saw the Flyers try both Tara Bramwell and Vandenberg at wing defence.

“We wanted to work on our passing and maintaining a strong defence,” McInally said.

“And if they got a rebound, changing quickly from attack to defence.”

The skipper is confident no more than tweaking is needed to have them ready for finals netball.

“It’s just minor things (we’re working on),” she said.

“Everything else is pretty good.”

McInally is confident she knows what to expect from Jimboomba, who battered the Flyers physically, if unsuccessfully, when the Ipswich team won 52-47 on August 8.

“We do expect it to be physical,” McInally said.

“Most teams are.

“They’re just going to put everything out there so we’re going in with the same attitude.”

In their last encounter, Jimboomba matched the Flyers for most of the match before losing their cool when calls went against them in the final quarter.

The Flyers, with the experience of last year’s run from nowhere to champions under their belts, know they have an edge in temperament and experience.

“We can keep our cool,” McInally said.

“If something doesn’t go our way, we’re not going to get too hot headed.

“They got some bad calls last time and lost it.”

Should the Flyers win the match at the State Netball Centre, Mt Gravatt, at 7pm tomorrow, they will progress to the preliminary final against the loser of Northern Gold Coast versus Brisbane next week.