Sports shorts!

SPIRIT faces fire on two fronts

BENDIGO Spirit is feeling the heat in week three of the Cygnett Women’s National Basketball League action.

After a hat-trick of victories to start the 2024-25 campaign, Bendigo was on the road for Wednesday night’s match against Sydney Flames.

The Kennedy Kereama-coached Spirit heads further north to play in the Townsville Fire’s pit from 7.30pm on Saturday.

In week two, Bendigo beat UC Canberra Capitals by 23 points on the AIS court on Friday night and followed up with a 17-point win at home against Geelong United on Sunday at Red Energy Arena.

Paris Olympian and Spirit’s gun recruit Sami Whitcomb has scored 80 points in three matches and teamed brilliantly with Opals team-mate Marianna Tolo, Casey Samuels and Kelly Wilson.

Strikers appoint coaches

A NEW-lookcoaching panel will take charge at Bendigo Strikers in its second year in the Victorian Netball League.

The franchise has appointed Tracey Brereton as coach of the championship and 23-and-under teams.

After coaching the 23-under team last season, Jayden Cowling will focus more on playing, but still be involved with Strikers.

Teigan Redwood joins the panel as a VNL assistant coach.

Jody Richards was re-appointed development coach and will coach the Reserves VNL under-19 competition in Melbourne and be assisted by championship player Kristiana Mana’u.

Regional based specialist coaches will be Carrie Carter, Moama; Maddi Nalder, Swan Hill; Lauren Bowles and Jayden Cowling, Bendigo.

As director of coaching, the experienced Carol Cathcart will work closely with all coaches, and Melissa Ryan is operations lead.