3 minute read
The Melbourne Vixens appear finals-bound after outlasting a determined Adelaide Thunderbirds to record their third successive Super Netball win.
The Melbourne Vixens have taken a major step towards a Super Netball semi-final berth by defeating the Adelaide Thunderbirds 63-57.
With all their returning World Cup players in action, the Vixens took care of business at Melbourne Arena on Sunday to sit on 54 competition points, two behind the second-placed Sunshine Coast Lightning.
The understrength Lightning battled hard throughout the match but with World Cup winner Maria Folau a late withdrawal and defender Layla Guscoth out for the season after rupturing her achilles representing England, the visitors couldn't overcome the class of the Vixens.
But the home side were forced to grind out the result after grabbing a four-goal first-quarter lead, both sides scoring 16 goals apiece in the third and fourth quarters.
Vixens coach Simone McKinnis was pleased with the way her side fought out the win.
"I think we were a little bit off it defensively but I also thought that we did some great stuff in attack and the movement of the ball," McKinnis said.
"I liked that we pulled away in the moments that we needed to, particularly in that first half."
Kate Moloney and Liz Watson provided plenty of drive through midcourt for the Vixens, with the pair combining for 52 goal assists, while Caitlin Thwaites finished with 30 goals from 33 attempts in her battle with Adelaide's defensive standout Shamera Sterling.
Vixens goaler Tegan Philip (33/40) became the most capped Vixens player as she surpassed Bianca Chatfield's club record of 111 games.
Filling in for Folau in attack, former Vixens shooter Emma Ryde compiled 28 goals at 93 per cent accuracy for the Lightning while Sasha Glasgow made 28 of 32 shots.
The home side overcame a slow start to lead 13-9 after one quarter but Adelaide matched their higher-ranked opponents in the second stanza, earning an opportunity to win the quarter with a goal in the final minute.
