The NSW Swifts claimed a thrilling 60-58 Round 6 Suncorp Super Netball win over the Collingwood Magpies on Saturday, making it five wins from their opening six outings of the condensed 2020 season.
The Magpies were in search of their second victory of the year and pushed the Premiers to the limit in a game that ebbed and flowed from start to finish at Brisbane’s Nissan Arena.
The result takes the Premiers top of the Super Netball ladder for at least 24 hours - Melbourne Vixens and Sunshine Coast Lightning play tomorrow - heading to the midway point of the regular season.
Another Grand Final rematch against Sunshine Coast at the same venue is the Swifts' next assignment on Wednesday night.
“I feel like I’ve done a marathon after watching that game,” Swifts head coach Briony Akle said afterwards.
“Collingwood were very good today and clicked, so that game shows what they can do.
“The nature of this season has been a grind for everyone but we got out of jail today. I think we need to do some more sessions and just play netball – feel the love and fun of the game.
“When you are the Premiers everyone comes hunting for you and Collingwood did that. I’m happy we won but there is a lot of work to do.”
The Swifts created plenty of turnovers in the opening exchanges with game MVP Sarah Klau coming up with a couple of rebounds and Natalie Haythornthwaite stretching for a brilliant midcourt intercept, however, they didn’t convert on the scoreboard.
Midway through the first quarter Collingwood were only a goal in arrears and when Gabi Sinclair landed the first Suncorp Super Shots of the afternoon the Pies were in the lead, taking a two-goal advantage (16-14) to the first break.
Collingwood looked far more composed at the start of the second quarter and scrambled well to cause the Swifts a host of problems on attack and in defence. Five consecutive goals Shimona Nelson goals put Collingwood well in control of the contest before the Premiers started to up the ante.
Confusion in the Magpies attack started to creep in again and this time the Swifts took the opportunities on offer. Helen Housby wasn’t afraid to shoot from range and when she landed a pair of Super Shots NSW were back within striking distance.
Sloppy play ensued just before halftime and possession looked easier to lose than keep for both teams. The Magpies had the chance to take a four-goal lead to the sheds but missed a Super Shot, resulting in a long-range pass from Paige Hadley to Sam Wallace who was free in the two-goal zone. The Trinidad & Tobago international made no mistake, getting her side back on level terms at the halftime buzzer – 29-all.
NSW opened up a five-goal lead early in the second half but weren’t able to shake a dogged Collingwood outfit who wouldn’t let a big gap open up between the sides. The Swifts looked to be managing the third quarter well but contrasting fortunes in the Rebel Power Five meant the teams were still tied at the final break.
Sinclair was successful with two attempts and when Housby missed it was the turnover the visitors needed to pull level.
The final quarter was a tense affair as the sides went goal for goal early on. With four minutes to play a Sinclar Super Shot had the sides level again but Housby stood up to sink another in response. Confusion in the goal circle for Magpies then allowed Housby the opportunity to add two more goals and put the Swifts four clear.
Sinclair had the last say of the game with another fine two-goal shot but with Swifts holding the last centre pass they ran the seconds down to keep Collingwood’s attempts to secure a draw at bay.
Quarter-by-quarter scores
SWIFTS | Q1: 14, Q2: 29 (15), Q3: 44 (14), Q4: 60 (16)
MAGPIES | Q1: 16, Q2: 29 (13), Q3: 44 (14), Q4: 58 (14)
Starting Teams
SWIFTS | GS Sam Wallace, GA Helen Housby, WA Natalie Haythornthwaite, C Paige Hadley, WD Sophie Craig, GD Lauren Moore, GK Sarah Klau
Reserves used: Maddy Proud, Sophie Garbin, Tayla Fraser
MAGPIES | GS Shimona Nelson, GA Gabi Sinclair, WA Kelsey Browne, C Madi Browne, WD Melissa Bragg, GD Jodi-Ann Ward, GK Geva Mentor
Match stats
Full match stats can be viewed here
