The Suncorp Super Netball League (SSN) Round 2 took place this weekend live on and on demand on NetballPass.*, Kayo Sports, Foxtel and Binge, with two nail biters where teams were separated by just one goal at the final whistle.
Here is this week’s international player watch:
Sunshine Coast Lightning vs Queensland Firebirds
Both Sunshine Coast Lightning and Queensland Firebirds entered this match off the back of Round 1 defeats, and it was clear from the outset that they both felt the pressure to get points on the board.
Following the first three quarters of the fiercely competitive clash, it was Lightning that were ahead by three.
However, Firebirds were far from done as they swooped back into the game in the final 15 minutes putting on a dominant defensive display lead by England Rose, Imogen Allison as they won the quarter 15-17.
However, it was a last-minute Australian Diamond Donnell Wallam Super Shot that ensured that Lighting still held on to win the match by just one goal, 63 – 62.
You can catch up on this match on NetballPass*, here.
Adelaide Thunderbirds vs West Coast Fever
Adelaide Thunderbirds made it two from two as they beat West Coast Fever 66 – 53 in Round 2.
It was Fever that started the match the strongest with England Rose Sasha Glasgow on fire against her old Thunderbirds teammates, contributing seven points to the scoreline from her eight shots within the first 15 minutes.
However, Thunderbirds then turned up the heat in the second quarter spinning the scoreline on its head with Co-Captain and Jamaican Sunshine Girl Shamera Sterling-Humphrey leading the way.
Sterling-Humphrey went on to make three intercepts and six gains as her team won the remaining three quarters and the match.
You can catch up on this match on NetballPass*, here.
Giants Netball vs Melbourne Vixens
Next up, Melbourne Vixens put out a show stopping performance against Giants Netball to take a 52-68 victory.
Every time that Giants found their way back into the game, Vixens seemed to find a new lease of energy and response to extend their lead again.
Australia Diamonds Kiera Austin and Kate Moloney were crucial to this victory as they both acted as real play makers, with Austin making 13 goal assists, receiving 17 centre passes and adding 22 points to the scoreboard, whilst Moloney made 16 goal assists and 23 feeds.
In defence, it was another Australian Diamond, Jo Weston, that made all the difference as she made nine deflections, five intercepts and four rebounds.
You can catch up on this match on NetballPass*, here.
NSW Swifts vs Melbourne Mavericks
The final match of the round was another nail biter, with NSW Swifts securing their first win of the season through a last second Helen Housby goal which saw the score finish 70 – 69.
Swifts’ nervous energy could be felt in the first quarter in front of the record breaking 13,000 Sydney crowd, as Mavericks used their round one momentum to catapult them to a strong start.
Jamaican Sunshine Girl Shimona Nelson led the way as she scored five consecutive goals for Mavericks, who finished the first 15 minutes 16-22 up.
As Swifts settled, the momentum soon shifted in the second quarter with Housby using the Super Shot to close the gap to three.
The final quarter was tightly contested with the game going goal for goal, but once again it the England Rose shooter Housby that stepped up when she was needed most to secure the victory for Swifts through a final second comeback goal.
You can catch up on this match on NetballPass*, here.
Head to NetballPass now to catch up on all the action ahead of Round 3 which starts on Saturday 28th March.
To view all the fixtures, results, where to watch information and more visit our SSN page here.
*Restrictions are in place – viewers in Australia should head to Kayo Sports, Foxtel and for the first time, Binge.