Round 9 of the Suncorp Super Netball League (SSN) took place this weekend live and on demand on NetballPass, as Vixens made it 9 from 9 and Australian Diamond’s Kate Moloney and Sarah Klau and Jamaican Sunshine Girl Shamera Sterling-Humphrey celebrated SSN milestones.
Here is this week’s International Player Watch:
West Coast Fever vs Adelaide Thunderbirds
In what we expected to be a close encounter between two of the league’s top four, Adelaide Thunderbirds flew out the blocks and dealt West Coast Fever a shock 45 – 65 defeat.
Thunderbirds won all four quarters as they were able to capitalise of Fever’s mistakes.
At one end of the court, Jamaican Sunshine Girl Shamera Sterling-Humphrey celebrated her 100th SSN game as she made 11 deflections and one interception against Fever.
Whilst in the Thunderbirds shooting circle South Africa SPAR Protea Elmeré van der Berg was clinical once again, scoring 57/61 of her shots and as well as netting her one Super Shot opportunity.
Following Round 9 both Sterling-Humphrey and van der Berg top respective statistics charts in the SSN, with Sterling-Humphrey top of the deflections chart with 62 and van der Berg top of the goals scored chart with 448.
For Thunderbirds, it is still 2nd in the league though as Melbourne Vixens lead the way.
You can catch up on this match on NetballPass*, here.
NSW Swifts vs Sunshine Coast Lightning
A strong second half display saw NSW Swifts win their 3rd game of the season, beating Sunshine Coast Lightning 70 – 56.
The score sat at 34 – 33 at half time, leaving it all still to play for and it was Swifts that found another gear in the second half as they upped the intensity in defence and found their rhythm in attack.
Australian Diamond Grace Whyte was instrumental in attack as she commanded the attacking third, making 30 goal assists which helped New Zealand Silver Fern Grace Nweke score 61 goals for Swifts.
Whyte also scored three Super Shots, which proved crucial in giving the home side the edge.
In defence, on her 150th SSN game, Australian Diamond Sarah Klau was on fine form as she made three intercepts, six gains and two turnovers.
You can catch up on this match on NetballPass*, here.
Giants Netball vs Melbourne Mavericks
Melbourne Mavericks put out a strong full team performance to beat Giants Netball 41 – 60 in Round 9 of the SSN.
The away side were dominant, consistent and sharp as they won all four quarters, but the quarter that mattered most was the 2nd which they won 9 – 20.
It was in this second stanza that Jamaican Sunshine Girl Shimona Nelson really found her rhythm in the shooting circle, creating space with ease and building up her team’s goal scoring tally.
Nelson scored 38/41 of her shots in this game, meaning she is now 5th in the league’s goals scored charts with 365 to her name.
Australian Diamond Amy Parmenter was key in creating attacking opportunities for Mavericks as she made multiple deflections at wing defence allowing her team to regain possession and remain on the front foot.
You can catch up on this match on NetballPass*, here.
Melbourne Vixens vs Queensland Firebirds
Speaking of dominant performances, Melbourne Vixens were also untouchable in Round 9 as the beat Queensland Firebirds 71 – 48, winning all four quarters in the process.
The victory means Vixen’s remain unbeaten and top of the league heading into Round 10.
The result wasn’t the only thing to celebrate though as Australian Diamond Kate Moloney also made her 200th national league appearance and became the first player to reach 150 SSN appearances.
In her milestone match Moloney was instrumental making 15 goal assists, 28 feeds, one interception and two turnovers for Vixens at centre.
You can catch up on this match on NetballPass*, here.
Head to NetballPass now to catch up on all the action ahead of Round 10 which starts on Saturday 16th May.
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.