The NSW Swifts and Sunshine Coast Lightning went toe-to-toe for three pulsating quarters in Round 1 of Suncorp Super Netball at Sippy Downs today before the hosts stormed home in the final period.
It was a statement performance from the Lightning, coming away with an impressive 79-63 win over a Swifts team that will look to rebound next week.
The Swifts, chasing a third title in six years, kept themselves in range but ultimately, they were unable to find ways to slow down the home side as the Lightning broke clear in the final 15 minutes.
Going goal for goal early, the Swifts were first to blink with a wayward ball caused by the relentless pressure from Courtney Bruce. The former West Coast Fever skipper, made her debut for the Lightning alongside veteran Liz Watson and youngster Leesa Mi Mi. Bruce finished the day with four intercepts and four deflections.
The Swifts were thrilled to welcome back double champion Sam Wallace-Joseph to their starting seven with the goal shooter taking a Super Netball court for the first time in two years. There was also a debut for Silver Fern Elle Temu who came into the team as an injury replacement.
In a riveting opening quarter, the Lightning attack end displayed good patience with Steph Fretwell, Cara Koenen and Liz Watson all impressing before the Helen Housby stepped up from range to keep the Swifts well in the hunt at quarter-time (19-16).
Looking for answers to shut down Lightning's attacking flow, Allie Smith entered the game at wing defence, however, it was the defensive pressure of the home side which caused doubt in the feeder's minds. Despite that, the Swifts worked the Super Shot periods well and Housby was impressive as she rekindled her partnership with Wallace-Joseph.
At halftime there were only three goals between the sides but midway through the third period the Lightning seemed to have taken full control of the contest when they punished NSW’s errors ruthlessly.
Before long the hosts’ three-goal lead had blown out to 11, however, the Swifts rallied. Trailing by double digits, Sophie Fawns was brought into the mix with herself and Housby stepping up to sink crucial two-pointers to the deficit back to four (56-52).
The final quarter was poised to be the endgame the momentum-swinging contest deserved but the Swifts let their hosts bolt out of the traps early.
Suddenly forced into chasing the game again, the seven-time Premiers were had to throw caution to the wind and push passes that weren’t on. It gave Sunshine Coast the momentum they craved to break clear and they took full advantage.
The Swifts take on the Mavericks in Round 2 at Ken Rosewall Arena next Sunday.
