A third quarter masterclass from the Melbourne Mavericks was the difference between them and the NSW Swifts in Sunday’s Suncorp Super Netball Round 8 clash at John Cain Arena.
Despite the teams being evenly matched for most of the contest and the lead exchanging hands numerous times, the hosts did enough in the third period to keep the Swifts at arm’s length and secure a first ever win over the seven-time Premiers (64-58).
With co-captain Maddy Proud injured and Samantha Wallace-Joseph replaced in the squad by rookie athlete Grace Whyte it was a somewhat new-look Swifts which made the trip to Victoria.
The Mavericks got off to a great start to take an early 4-1 lead but the Swifts soon found their rhythm with Helen Housby and Sophie Fawns combining well in the attack end. At the quarter-time the hosts led by two with the defences of both teams putting in some wonderful play.
Sarah Klau and Maddy Turner enjoyed a brilliant battle with Shimona Jok and Gabi Sinclair – who were playing the best they have all season – while Kim Jenner was a standout for the Mavericks as she thwarted the Swifts attack on the circle edge.
At halftime the Swifts led by one but it was a contest which was ebbing and flowing.
Three minutes into the third quarter was when the game flipped.
Jok scored five consecutive goals and that run allowed the Mavericks swing the momentum fully in their favour with former Swifts champion Tayla Fraser controlling possession well in the midcourt against the side she won two Premierships with.
Down by five in the third Power Five the Swifts were still well in touch, but the last three minutes of the quarter won the game for the competition newcomers. The Mavericks kept the Swifts scoreless but added eight goals of their own to win the quarter 23-12 and take a commanding 10-goal lead into the last period.
However, the Swifts weren’t for capitulating. Having already pulled back sizable margins this season they went goal for goal before Klau stepped up with more big plays to keep them in the contest.
With the margin reduced to seven and the Swifts holding bonus possession Briony Akle’s team seemed poised for a late charge home but an error of the next centre pass killed their momentum and then the clock was their enemy.
Crucially they won the final quarter meaning the stay ahead of the Mavericks on the ladder on goal percentage, just behind the fourth-placed Sunshine Coast Lightning who also have a 3-5 win-loss ratio but a better for-and-against.
The Swifts play the Lighting in Round 9 this Saturday night at Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney.
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