The Semi-Finals took place in the Suncorp Super Netball League (SSN) this weekend, with Thunderbirds the first team to confirm a spot in the Grand Final after they beat Vixens 58 – 44 in the Major Semi Final.
Whilst for Mavericks their season came to an end with their 56 – 52 defeat to Fever in the Minor Semi-Final meaning it will be a Vixens vs Fever Preliminary Final on the 27th June.
The winner of the Preliminary Final will face Thunderbirds in the Grand Final on the 4th July, with both the remaining matches available live and on demand on NetballPass*.
But first, here is our Semi-Finals International Player Watch:
Adelaide Thunderbirds vs Melbourne Vixens
It was the visitors Vixen’s that got off to the strongest start in this game, with Australian Diamond Jo Weston making a big impact at goalkeeper, ensuring that Thunderbirds route to South African SPAR Protea Elmeré van der Berg was harder than usual.
Vixens smooth and controlled attack and composed defence allowed them to take a two-goal lead into the first break, however, that only fuelled Thunderbirds to come back stronger.
A change in the home sides defensive end with Jamaican Sunshine Girl Latanya Wilson moving from wing defence into goal defence proved crucial as Wilson’s team spun the scoreline on its head and found themselves two goals up at half time.
From then on Thunderbirds just seemed to go from strength to strength, notably winning the fourth quarter 16 -7 as Wilson and her Jamaican Sunshine Girl teammate Shamera Sterling-Humphrey worked seamlessly together.
Wilson finished the match with two intercepts, four gains, and one turnover whilst Sterling-Humphrey made three intercepts and six gains.
Thunderbirds went on to win the game 58 – 44, fast tracking themselves into the Grand Final.
You can catch up on this match on NetballPass*, here.
West Coast Fever vs Melbourne Mavericks
West Coast Fever put an end to Melbourne Mavericks history making season as they best them 56 – 52 in the Minor Semi-Final.
Just like in the Major Semi-Final it was the away side, Mavericks, that started the strongest converting all four of their gains into goals to take a 12 – 16 lead into the first break.
However, after the first break Fever returned to court looking much more settled and their defensive trio of England Rose Fran Williams, Jamaican Sunshine Girl Kadie-Ann Dehaney and Australian Diamond Jess Anstiss upped the intensity, changing the flow of the game.
The real change came when Australian Ruth Aryang entered the court as she had an immediate impact helping her team bring the scoreline back level, before taking a one goal lead into the main break.
Aryang and Williams then continued to stand up when it mattered most in the third quarter, making key momentum changing interceptions.
A later Super Shot serge from Mavericks saw them close back in on Fever, but the side in green had done enough as they won this game 56 – 52 and booked their place against Vixens in the Preliminary Final, keeping their Grand Final hopes still alive.
You can catch up on this match on NetballPass*, here.
Head to NetballPass now to catch up on all the action ahead of the Preliminary Final which takes place on 27th June.
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.