Round 5 of the Suncorp Super Netball League (SSN) took place this weekend with close contests across the board, live and on demand on NetballPass* for the international Netball Family.
Here is this week’s International Player Watch:
NSW Swifts vs Melbourne Vixens
NSW Swifts and Melbourne Vixens entered this Round 5 clash following very opposing starts to the season, with Vixens flying high and Swifts swooping low.
However, the first quarter did not show that in the slightest with the two teams going goal for goal for most of the 15 minutes.
Vixens took a two-goal lead into the second quarter, but Swifts continued to soar with New Zealand Silver Fern Grace Nweke ensuring that her side took a 34-32 lead into the main break.
The game remained neck and neck for much of the second half, until Vixens were able to once again find a second gear to dominate the remainder of the fourth quarter and win the game 59 – 66.
Australian Diamond Kate Moloney was once again key for Vixens’ as their captain acted as a real playmaker in the centre of the court, making 22 feeds, one intercept and one deflection – all which proved crucial in such a close contest.
You can catch up on this match on NetballPass*, here.
Adelaide Thunderbirds vs Giants Netball
Speaking of close contests, Adelaide Thunderbirds survived a scare from Giants in Round 5 as they won 56 – 54.
The game was Thunderbirds to win on paper as the league’s unbeaten side were coming up against the only side in the league still looking for their first win.
However, it was Giants that came into this clash fearless and the strongest of the two, as they won the first two quarters.
Jamaican Sunshine Girl Jodi-Ann Ward and Australian Diamond U19 Erin O’Brien were crucial to Giants strong start, as they worked tirelessly in defence applying physical pressure to the Thunderbirds shooters that appeared to shake their rhythm.
In the second quarter, Giants were able to keep Thunderbirds centre pass to goal conversion rate down at just 64%.
Showing their experience and class Thunderbirds were able to make a final quarter comeback, with Australian Diamond Georgie Horjus sealing the victory with three Suncorp Super Shots.
Giants may have lost this game, but there were certainly lots of positives to take from it as they continue their search for their first victory.
You can catch up on this match on NetballPass*, here.
Sunshine Coast Lightning vs Melbourne Mavericks
As the contest for the Finals spots heats up, Sunshine Coast Lightning vs Melbourne Mavericks was one to watch.
Looking strong from the start Mavericks were able to get the better of Lightning, winning 53 – 62 and finishing the weekend in 4th place, just above their opposition.
Stand out international players in this contest included Australian Diamond Jamie-Lee Price and Jamaican Sunshine Girl Shimona Nelson.
The two players connected well with Price having an eye for the circle feeds, as she made 22 goal assist and 36 feeds, on top of this she also made four turnovers.
It was Nelson that was more often than not at the end of those feeds from Price, as she scored 56 of her 61 shots.
You can catch up on this game on NetballPass*, here.
West Coast Fever vs Queensland Firebirds
Both teams came into this fixture on a high, with Firebirds securing their first win of the season in Round 4 and West Coast Fever still sitting 3rd in the table, having only lost once so far this season.
The confidence across court was clear from the first whistle, with both teams matching each other’s energy keeping the scores level at 15-15 at the first break.
Fever soon found their rhythm in quarter two, with young Australian Olivia Wilkinson making her first appearance of the season one to remember as she scored back-to-back Super Shots, allowing her team to take a 32-29 lead into the third quarter which they then continued to extend winning the penultimate quarter 18-9.
However, Firebirds found a second wind in the final 15 minutes as they fired out the blocks in the attempt to make a comeback.
It was the visitors turn to make a change of shooter this time as they brought on Elsa Sif Sandholt, who just like Wilkinson for Fever made an instant impact.
Sandholt scored seven out of seven of her one point shots and scored a Suncorp Super Shot too, as her team won that quarter 8-16.
However, it proved too little too late as Fever held on to win the game 58-54.
You can catch up on this match on NetballPass*, here.
Head to NetballPass now to catch up on all the action ahead of Round 6 which starts on Saturday 18th April.
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.