The Suncorp Super Netball League (SSN) Round 3 took place this weekend live on and on demand on NetballPass.*, Kayo Sports, Foxtel and Binge, with Melbourne Vixens and Sunshine Coast Lightning both winning by just one goal margins, whilst Adelaide Thunderbirds and West Coast Fever were able to cruise to victory.
Here is this week’s international player watch:
Melbourne Mavericks vs Melbourne Vixens
Melbourne Vixens kept their winning streak going with a thrilling extra-time 72-71 victory over their Melbourne rivals Mavericks.
It was the home side that started the derby the strongest with Australian Diamond Jamie-Lee Price and Jamaican Sunshine Girl Shimona Nelson connecting well early on and causing Vixens all sort of problems.
Mavericks took an early five goal lead going into the first break, and from then on, the lead ebbed and flowed with the two teams taking it in turns to win a quarter, before the score sat at 63-63 at the final whistle, sending it into extra time.
It was in extra time that Vixen’s showed their experience and composure, with three of their Australian Diamonds Kate Moloney, Jo Weston and Sophie Garbin at the centre of this as they secured the one goal win.
You can catch up on this nail-biter on NetballPass*, here.
Sunshine Coast Lightning vs NSW Swifts
As if one nail-biting clash wasn’t enough, the SSN Round 3 then dealt us another one goal margin thriller.
NSW Swifts got off to the strongest start in this one, winning the first quarter by three thanks to Teigan O’Shannassy’s dominant defensive performance.
However, just like in the Melbourne Derby the lead then flipped and changed throughout this match, with each team winning two quarters each.
Strong quarter two and three displays from Lightning, led by their captain and Australian Diamond Liz Watson, saw them enter the final 15 minutes with a two-goal lead, however Swifts were far from done.
England Rose Helen Housby returned to court for the visitors and scored an all-important Super Shot to give her team a one -goal lead.
However, Lightning struck back almost immediately re-gaining the lead, which they managed to hold onto, winning 66 – 65 after Housby failed to convert her final Super Shot opportunity.
You can catch up on this match on NetballPass*, here.
Queensland Firebirds vs Adelaide Thunderbirds
Adelaide Thunderbirds stormed to their biggest ever win this weekend as they beat Queensland Firebirds 56-73.
The damage was done in the first 15 minutes of this match-up with Thunderbirds winning the opening quarter 9-21.
Jamaican Sunshine Girl and Thunderbirds co-captain Shamera Sterling-Humphrey was on fire as she earned 50.5 net points in the first quarter alone after making six gains.
Whilst at the other end the Thunderbirds shooting circle were untouchable with South Africa SPAR Protea Elmerè van der Berg scoring 14 out of 16 of her shots, and Lauren Frew shooting at 100% in the goal attack role.
Firebirds did tighten up in defence after the first break; however, international Thunderbirds players continued to offer up new challenges.
Jamaican Sunshine Girl Latanya Wilson and New Zealand Silver Fern Kate Heffernan were central to the action in the third quarter, with Wilson making four gains and Heffernan a real play maker as she continued to find space and provide perfectly placed feeds into the circle.
Thunderbirds victory means they remain unbeaten so far this season.
You can catch up on this match on NetballPass*, here.
West Coast Fever vs Giants Netball
Speaking of dominant performances, West Coast Fever fans were able to start the party early following a seamless performance from their team against Giants.
It was a full team performance from Fever, that left Giants still searching for their first win of the season.
At one end of the court, Jamaican Sunshine Girl Romelda Aiken-George and England Rose Sasha Glasgow were in fine form, with Aiken-George scoring 53 goals from 62 shots and Glasgow 12 from 17.
Whilst at the other end, Jamaican Sunshine Girls Kadie-Ann Dehaney did her bit preventing Giants from having two-point opportunities, thanks to her relentless defensive efforts.
Giants did make a final quarter comeback, winning this period of 15 minutes 14-17, however it was too little too late as Fever won 69 – 50.
You can catch up on this match on NetballPass*, here.
Head to NetballPass now to catch up on all the action ahead of Round 4 which starts on Saturday 4th April.
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.