Round 10 of the Suncorp Super Netball League (SSN) had it all, as Sunshine Coast Lightning ended Melbourne Vixen’s unbeaten streak and Jamaican Sunshine Girl Romelda Aiken-George made history as she played her 255th national league match.
International fans can catch up on all this weekend’s action on NetballPass now.
Here is this week’s International Player Watch:
Sunshine Coast Lightning vs Melbourne Vixens
Sunshine Coast Lightning struck down Melbourne Vixens this weekend, dealing them their first defeat of the season.
Lightnings strong start winning the first quarter 19-12 rocked the Vixen’s boat and left them struggling to find their rhythm again with the home side able to extend their lead to 33 – 24 by the main break.
It was a full team performance from Lightning that saw them control this game throughout.
Australian Diamond Donnell Wallam was clinical under post for Lightning scoring 53/59 of her shots, as Vixens defence failed to find a way to control her.
Whilst at the other end Silver Fern Karin Burger controlled the Lightning defensive circle making three intercepts, five gains and three turnovers.
In the middle, Australian Leesa Mi Mi was untouchable as she was awarded the Player of the Match award for her 17 goal assists, 26 feeds, a gain and a deflection.
The Vixens utilised their subs making changes throughout the court, however, their final quarter comeback proved too little too late, as Lightning won 66 – 56.
You can catch up on this match on NetballPass*, here.
Queensland Firebirds vs Giants Netball
Queensland Firebirds swept in with a second half comeback to deny Giants of their first win of the season, as the home side came back from 33 – 39 to win the game 71-64.
At one point in the 3rd quarter Giants did manage to reach a game-high seven goal lead, however, when the power five began Firebirds sunk Super Shots to bring the gap back to one.
Silver Fern Kelly Jackson was then crucial to the final quarter comeback from Firebirds as she won the ball back in the early stages of the 15 minutes, enabling her team to take the lead for the first time since the second quarter.
The lead continued to ebb and flow throughout quarter four, until once again Firebirds utilised the power five and stretched out their lead before eventually winning the game.
You can catch up on this match on NetballPass*, here.
West Coast Fever vs NSW Swifts
West Coast Fever vs NSW Swifts was a game that had it all; a close contest that went down the final minutes and a history making moment for Jamaican Sunshine Girl Romelda Aiken-George.
As Aiken-George took to court in this game she surpassed the record of Cath Cox for the most national league matches played (255), and she immediately marked the occasion with the first goal.
Swifts responded promptly with Australian Diamond Maddy Proud linking up well with Silver Fern Grace Nweke who scored her first of the game.
From then on, the battle remained physical with both teams fired up for the win but Swifts the strongest at the start.
England Rose Fran Williams made a crucial interception for Fever that changed the momentum of the game for a period, but it was Swifts that found themselves on top at the main break 33 – 39.
In the final 15 minutes Fever gave it everything they had to try and cause upset with a comeback against Swifts, winning this quarter 14-11, however it was too little too late as Swifts remained composed to win the game 57 – 63.
You can catch up on this match on NetballPass*, here.
Adelaide Thunderbirds vs Melbourne Mavericks
Speaking of fourth quarter comebacks, Melbourne Mavericks attempted the same against Adelaide Thunderbirds.
This was a game of two halves as Thunderbirds dominated the first half, taking a 33 – 24 lead into the main break, with Jamaican Sunshine Girl Latanya Wilson a key piece to the puzzle as she received 12 centre passes, made two intercepts and nine deflections at goal defence.
It the second half, it was then Mavericks that flew out the blocks with their defensive unit also leading the way as Jessie Grenvold continued to impress making three interceptions and a deflection.
By the final break Mavericks had managed to close the gap to 45 – 39, and they continued to make their mark deep into quarter four.
However, Thunderbirds first half performance was enough to win them the game 55 – 51.
You can catch up on this match on NetballPass*, here.
Head to NetballPass now to catch up on all the action ahead of Round 11 which starts on Saturday 23rd 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.