The Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) League Round 12 took place this weekend with lots of close encounters and a top of the table clash, live and on demand on NetballPass*.
Here is this week’s International Player Watch:
Sunshine Coast Lightning vs Giants Netball
First up was a high-pressured game between Sunshine Coast Lightning and Giants Netball, with Lightning looking to keep their top four hopes alive and Giants still searching for their first win of the season with just three rounds to go.
It was Lightning that struck first in this game winning the opening quarter 18-14, after they went on a nine-goal scoring spree aided by Silver Fern Karin Burger and Australian Diamond Ash Ervin who worked tirelessly in defence to win ball.
The home side then stepped it up a gear again in the second quarter, winning this one 22-9, as Australian Diamond Donnell Wallam scored her 31st goal of the game.
Giants grew into the game following the main break, and the second half was a much more competitive affair, however, it was too little too late as Lightning won 74 – 54.
You can catch up on this match on NetballPass*, here.
West Coast Fever vs Melbourne Mavericks
A sell out 13,847 crowd watched on as Melbourne Mavericks made history beating West Coast Fever for the first time in their history at the RAC Arena in nail biting style.
The visitors set the tone early with Jamaican Sunshine Girl Shimona Nelson starting proceedings with the first goal, and Australian Reilley Batcheldor having the last say in the first quarter scoring a Super Shot which saw Mavericks lead 14 – 20.
Fever bounced back following the first break, building their way back into the game, and whilst the remaining 45 minutes proved a much closer encounter Mavericks managed to hold on to their lead thanks to Tonga’s Uneeq Palavi continuing to stand up when it mattered most.
Australian Diamond Jamie-Lee Price was also key to the win as she acted as the calm in the storm throughout centre court, controlling play and looking after the ball in the centre third, helping her team to a 57 – 60 win.
You can catch up on this match on NetballPass*, here.
NSW Swifts vs Queensland Firebirds
The close encounters and second half comebacks did not stop there, with NSW Swifts vs Queensland Firebirds serving up more of the same.
The home side displayed a dominant first half performance which saw them leading 38 – 24 at the main break.
Swifts high centre pass conversion rate was key to their first half success as they controlled the centre court and always found a way to goal.
Australian Diamond Tayla Fraser played her part superbly as she produced eight assists, two gains and two interceptions.
Down by 14 at the start of the penultimate quarter, Firebirds had nothing to lose as they flew out on the whistle.
The visitors matched Swifts in this quarter and then used the Power Five to close the gap even further as Silver Fern Te Paea Selby-Rickett netted two all-important Super Shots.
Firebirds went into the final break having won the 3rd quarter 14 – 23, meaning they were now down by just five setting up for a fantastic final 15.
The fourth quarter was close, however, Swifts did just enough to get it across the line winning 68-62.
You can catch up on this match on NetballPass*, here.
Adelaide Thunderbirds vs Melbourne Vixens
The final match of the round was the one everyone expected to be the shower stopper with the two teams at the top, Adelaide Thunderbirds and Melbourne Vixens, going head-to-head.
However, what followed the first whistle can only be described as a Thunderbirds masterclass.
From the defensive pressure applied by Jamaican Sunshine Girls Shamera Sterling-Humphrey and Latanya Wilson, alongside Australian Diamond Matilda Garrett, to the clinical shooting of South African SPAR Protea Elmeré van der Berg and Diamond Georgie Horjus, Thunderbirds outclassed Vixens across the court.
Wilson made nine deflections and three intercepts, while Garrett added three deflections and Sterling-Humphrey, one intercept and five deflections.
Thunderbirds went on to win 3 / 4 quarters, and the game 61 – 42.
You can catch up on this match on NetballPass*, here.
Head to NetballPass now to catch up on all the action ahead of Round 12 which starts on Saturday 30th 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.