The NSW Swifts have fallen to successive Suncorp Super Netball defeats for the first time this year, going down 62-55 to the Melbourne Vixens in the top-of-the table clash at Sippy Downs on Tuesday night.
It was the second time in the space of two weeks that the Vixens got their better of their long-time rivals, claiming the Sargeant-McKinnis Cup in the process and solidifying their position on top of the regular-season ladder with three rounds to play.
A horror third quarter proved the Premiers' undoing, forcing them to chase the game in the fourth which played into their opponents' hands.
A massive shift from the Vixens defensive duo of Kadie-Ann Dehaney and Jo Weston was the backbone of the Vixens' effort which puts them well on track to claim the Minor Premiership.
The Swifts remain second on the ladder, dependent on the result of Sunshine Coast Lightning's clash with West Coast Fever so may drop to third this evening. Saturday's clash with the Fever now looms as a must-win game if the defending champions are to stay in the race for a top-two finish, and a second chance at Finals time.
The first quarter had plenty of fine play but also a lot of errors from both sides. Maddy Proud threw a loose pass in the attack end which gave early impetus to the Vixens but she soon made amends by scrapping for possession in the midcourt and winning the turnover that got the Swifts back on level terms.
NSW looked to use the Suncorp Super Shot early in the first Rebel Power Play of the evening, but when Helen Housby missed an attempt Mwai Kumwenda and Caitlin Thwaites were on target to give Melbourne a four-goal led on the back of it.
The Swifts returned fire after a mix-up in the Vixens' attack gave them turnover ball and quick scores from Sam Wallace and Housby, the latter with a Super Shot on buzzer, meant the teams went to the first break level at 17 goals apiece.
The second quarter was another intense affair as the sides went goal-for-goal before Briony Akle called a timeout to see if she could engineer a move to break the deadlock.
The pressing defence from NSW at the next play was impressive but the Vixens were able to navigate a route to Kumwenda who was finishing well under the post.
Impressive defence from Vixens goal keeper Dehaney put her team back in control of the game as the Swifts started to look ponderous in attack.
The Victorians were closing in on a five-goal lead but Sarah Klau popped up with a deflection and an intercept to stem the tide before a Wallace Super Shot ensured the gap at halftime would only be three.
A Klau and Maddy Turner scramble for the ball gave the Swifts early turnover possession in the second half and put the Premiers back on a level footing. However, the Vixens defence ramped up soon after.
Dehaney was a thorn in the Swifts' attacking end, picking out passes from Wallace and Sophie Garbin, as the ladder-leaders raced out to a six-goal lead forcing Akle into calling a timeout.
The Premiers did respond to secure a turnover to get back within four but two missed Super Shots were punished at the other end; Kumwenda landing a two-goal shot on buzzer to give the Vixens a commanding nine-goal lead at the final break.
A late flurry of Super Shots had the Vixens on notice for the final five minutes but it was taking too long for the Swifts to get into the two-goal zone and the ladder leaders pressed up. From there the Victorians had the smarts to see the game out.
Quarter by Quarter Scores
SWIFTS | Q1: 17, Q2: 30 (13), Q3: 40 (10), Q4: 55 (15)
VIXENS | Q1: 17, Q2: 33 (16), Q3: 49 (16), Q4: 62 (13)
Starting Teams
SWIFTS | GS Sam Wallace, GA Helen Housby, WA Natalie Haythornthwaite, C Maddy Proud, WD Paige Hadley, GD Lauren Moore, GK Sarah Klau
Reserves used: Lauren Moore, Sophie Craig, Sophie Garbin
VIXENS | GS Mwai Kumwenda, GA Caitlin Thwaites, WA Liz Watson, C Kate Moloney, WD Kate Eddy, GD Jo Weston, GK Jadie-Ann Dehaney
Reserves used:
Match Stats
Full match stats can be viewed here
