3 minute read
Melbourne Vixens have emerged from Super Netball's mid-season hiatus as a force to be reckoned with after defeating West Coast Fever for a fourth win in a row.
The Melbourne Vixens appear headed for the Super Netball semi-finals after an impressive 64-52 victory over West Coast Fever.
The Vixens led from start to finish at Melbourne Arena on Saturday as they secured their fifth win in six outings, collecting three bonus points to sit two points behind league leaders NSW Swifts on the ladder.
A 19-11 second quarter paved the way for Melbourne's fourth successive victory, setting up a blockbuster clash with the Swifts next Saturday that will go a long way to deciding this season's minor premiers.
Caitlin Thwaites finished with 32 goals in her battle with Diamonds teammate Courtney Bruce while Tegan Philip (29 goals) also picked up three gains in the first half, typifying the Vixens commitment to winning the ball.
Coach Simone McKinnis was full of praise for her team's efforts at both ends of the court after the Vixens effectively eliminated last season's minor premiers from the finals race.
"I thought defensively, it was some of our best work in terms of the team defence and the full-court pressure," McKinnis said.
"And some great finishing down there in attack, I thought it was some of our best attack work as well."
Prolific goal shooter Jhaniele Fowler led the Fever with 44 goals from 47 attempts despite close attention from Vixens defenders Jo Weston and player of the match Emily Mannix (six gains and four deflections).
The home side looked sharp early as they piled on six of the first seven goals, holding onto a 19-15 advantage despite Fowler shooting a perfect 13-of-13 for the quarter.
But after an even start to the second term, the Fever cracked under the Vixens' full-court pressure, resulting in a 13-5 run to close the first half with a 38-26 lead.
The Fever switched temporary replacement player Beryl Friday into attack to start the third quarter and the move made an immediate impact as the visitors opened with the first four goals.
The Vixens steadied to restore their double-digit lead but with Fowler at her unstoppable best, the Fever closed the margin to 50-41 with one quarter to play.
But the final stanza belonged to the home side with Mwai Kumwenda playing the final minutes in her first appearance since rupturing her ACL last season.
