First Nations Black Swans too strong in inaugural triumph at Pacific Netball Series

Jarred Cross Published June 12, 2024 at 6.30am (AWST)

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Aaleya Turner and the First Nations Black Swans notched their first win in the Pacific Netball Series against Singapore on Tuesday. (Image: Netball Australia)

The First Nations Black Swans have notched their debut win on the international stage, downing Singapore 62-50 at day two of the Pacific Netball Series.

Following a spirited effort against three-time-running tournament winners Tonga in their inaugural match of the series on Monday night, the Black Swans shot at 87 per cent to ward off the World Netball's 24th ranked side at Brisbane's Nissan Arena.

Charlotte Ryan scored 23 goals before halftime, before Olivia Clark registered 15 in the third to take a seven goal difference into the final change.

Jamaica Jauncey made the most of her sole quarter, sinking 13 of 15 attempts in a dominant performance.

Aaleya Turner got to work making life difficult for opposition shooters, regularly looking to intercept from the defensive third as her side looked to play with pace often through Tia Molo, who registered a team-high 15 goal assists and 26 feeds, Courtney Jones in mid-court and Lily Cubby at goal attack.

"We really wanted to build tonight and I think we really showed everyone what we can do," Jones told National Indigenous Times.

"Our game plan was to be calm and slow it down a bit. I think we kind of try to match Singapore...we are quite fast as a team, so we used that to our advantage tonight."

*Jones had eight goal assists, 17 feeds and two intercepts in the 12 goal win. (Image: Netball Australia)*

Singapore persisted, having patches where they reduced the Black Swans' lead, however were unable to put together sustained periods to get within serious touching distance.

Jones said after a short lapse heading into half time, "grouping and having that conversation, reminding us while we're here and how far we've actually been….that's what really drove us for that win".

Only coming together as a squad late last week, she said another "family" has joined those cheering on in the crowd.

"This is the best team I've been in culture wise, feeling wise, sister wise so I think it reflected tonight on the court. It's just goosebumps whenever we're around each other," Jones said.