Melbourne Vixens have booked the last spot in the SSN Grand Final, after they beat West Coast Fever 62 – 51 in the Preliminary Final live on NetballPass*.
Both teams started strong in the opening quarter in front of a 7,383 crowd at the John Cain Arena, with the opening minutes going goal for goal until Australian Diamond Rudi Ellis made the first deflection in defence for Vixens.
The Ellis deflection set the tone for the game in which Vixen’s defence proved the real difference.
Vixens went on to take the lead by nine at the main break, thanks to the expert work of Ellis and fellow Diamond Jo Weston in the defensive circle, and the ever-accurate Diamonds shooters Sophie Garbin and Kiera Austin at the other end.
The home side continued to extend their lead at the start of the third quarter, going ahead by 12 and forcing Fever into yet another defensive change.
The change paid off initially with Jamaican Sunshine Girl Kadie-Ann Dehaney taking Fever’s first gain of the match in defence, which her team were able to convert.
However, despite the stronger end to the quarter from Fever, Vixens remained in control and extended their lead to 17 goals with 15 minutes to go.
Dehaney and England Rose Fran Williams continued to give it everything they had for Fever in quarter four, both contributing defensive gains to cut down Fever’s lead.
However, it was too little too late from Fever as Vixens went on to win 62 – 51.
key players in Vixens victory included Weston, who went on to make two interceptions, three gains and four turnovers and Austin, at the other end of the court, who scored 24/25 of her one-point shots and made three turnovers.
You can catch up on this match on NetballPass*, here.
Vixens will now face Adelaide Thunderbirds in the Grand Final on Saturday 4th July, live and on demand on NetballPass* for the international Netball Family.
You can purchase your passes to watch it live and on demand, here.
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.