The NSW Swifts have fallen to their first defeat the 2020 Suncorp Super Netball season, going down 65-58 to the Sunshine Coast Lightning in Sippy Downs on Sunday.
A massive third quarter from the Queenslanders proved to be the Champions’ undoing, leaving Briony Akle’s troops with far too much to do in the final period of play.
For the Lightning it was sweet revenge after last year’s Grand Final defeat by the Swifts, while NSW must now regroup ahead of Tuesday night’s Round 5 meeting with the Firebirds in Brisbane.
A stepping call against Natalie Haythornthwaite, coupled with uncharacteristically loose passing from Helen Housby and Sophie Garbin gave the Lightning an early advantage, forcing Briony Akle to call her first timeout of the game after five minutes. Paige Hadley and Sam Wallace – who both started from the bench – were quickly into the action and intercepts from Hadley and Lauren Moore gave NSW the chance to take the lead.
Housby sank the first Suncorp Super Shot of the game but a mix-up in the next attacking play and an offside call against Tayla Fraser resulted in turnovers. After that Steph Wood stepped up to reward the home team with some 2-goal shots of her own and at quarter time it was the Lightning who led 17-14 with a centre pass in hand.
As the intensity and pace of the game went up a notch, a pair of misses from Cara Koenen and Wood – coupled with good rebounding by Moore and Sarah Klau – had the Swifts back on level terms midway through the second period.
A wayward Swifts ball bouncing against the post gave the Lightning the chance to regain a two-goal buffer, and despite a Housby Super Shot putting the Premiers back on level terms, it was the Lightning who showed more composure just before half-time. They created turnovers and made good space in the shooting circle to take a three-goal lead to the sheds.
Karla Pretorius and Phumza Maweni had strong openings to the second half and it was on the back of their defensive work that the Lighting stretched their advantage to five. The Queenslanders were also hustling well in the midcourt, making NSW’s route to the goal circle difficult.
When Wallace was forced into taking a Super Shot from the circle edge her unsuccessful attempt was punished by two quick Lightning scores and the Premiers were suddenly being forced to take risks which didn’t pay off.
The Lightning quickly pounced on loose possession to produce a huge 21-14 quarter victory and give themselves a 10-goal lead heading into the final break.
The Swifts did create some quick turnovers but didn’t convert them, allowing Sunshine Coast to keep the Premiers at arm’s length.
NSW did rally, winning the final quarter 18-15 but the damage was done as the 2017 and 2018 champions held their nerve to snuff out a fightback.
Quarter by Quarter Scores
SWIFTS | Q1: 14, Q2: 26 (12), Q3: 40 (14), Q4: 58 (18)
LIGHTNING | Q1: 17, Q2: 29 (12), Q3: 50 (21), Q4: 65 (15)
Starting Teams
SWIFTS | GS Sophie Garbin, GA Helen Housby, WA Natalie Haythornthwaite, C Maddy Proud, WD Sophie Craig, GD Lauren Moore, GK Sarah Klau
Reserves used: Sam Wallace, Paige Hadley, Tayla Fraser, Maddy Turner, Nic Styles
LIGHTNING | GS Cara Koenen, GA Steph Wood, WA Laura Scherian, C Laura Langman, WD Jacqui Russell, GD Karla Pretorius, GK Phumza Maweni
Reserves used: Maddy McAuliffe
Match Stats: View full match stats here
