The Grand Final line-up was confirmed this weekend, as Vixen’s beat Giants in the dying seconds of the Preliminary Final to take them through.
The win means Vixens will play in their second Grand Final in three years this time against Fever, who beat them in the Major Semi-Final only last week.
It didn’t always look like things were going to go Vixen’s way, with Giants leading by two at half-time, which they then extended to 9 going into the final break, leaving Vixens with all the work to do in the fourth quarter.
The final 15 comeback from Vixen’s then meant the scores were level going into the last minute of the all-important clash.
As both teams battled for possession, it looked as though Vixen’s had gifted the ball and win back to Giants on a plate, as their goal shooter Mwai Kumwenda miss passed the ball loosing possession for her team.
However, Emily Mannix produced a timely interception for Vixens, allowing them to take the ball back down the court to Kumwenda who redeemed herself scoring what turned out to be the deciding goal in the dying seconds.
Giants’ shooter, Sophie Dwyer, did score a two-point shot just after this, but it was seconds after the final whistle and so did not count, leaving the score at 55-54 to Vixens.
Both teams were made-up of standout international netballers in this Preliminary Final, with Australia Diamond Liz Watson crucial in the Vixen’s victory, making 37 feeds into her shooters in the circle, as well as four turnovers and one interception.
Despite being on the eventual losing side, another Australian Diamond that sparkled was Jamie-Lee Price, who made 30 feeds into the circle, 17 goal assists and five interceptions.
Following the thriller, Vixen’s now have their chance to get revenge on Fever, who beat them 62-71 in the Major Semi-Final.
The Grand Final will take place on the 3rd July, with international fans able to watch on NetballAustralia.TV.
To find out more about the fixture, click here.
To view this season’s results, click here.
