Round 6 of the Suncorp Super Netball League (SSN) took place this weekend with a not to be missed top of the table clash live and on demand on NetballPass* for the international Netball Family.
Here is this week’s International Player Watch:
Queensland Firebirds vs NSW Swifts
Whilst both teams entered this contest with new combinations and their own injury struggles, it was the visitors that got off to the strongest start with Australian Grace Whyte slotting into the goal attack role well for NSW Swifts, as they took a 37 – 42 lead into the main break.
However, this game became one of two halves with Queensland Firebirds swooping back into the contest in the penultimate quarter to start their comeback and eventually win 77 – 66.
It was the final quarter that Firebirds asserted their real dominance, winning this quarter by 10.
Uganda She Crane Mary Cholhok had arguably here best game of the season so far, as she scored 63/66 of her one-point shots for Firebirds helping them towards their win.
You can catch up on this match on NetballPass*, here.
Melbourne Vixens vs Adelaide Thunderbirds
Following a top of the table clash this weekend, we officially only have one unbeaten team left this season: Melbourne Vixens.
As expected, it wasn’t easy for either team to get a foot hold in this game though, as the score sat at 24 – 26 in Adelaide Thunderbirds favour at the main break leaving it all still to play for.
The third quarter was then one you just couldn’t take your eyes off, as Vixens got back within a goal, before Thunderbirds extended their lead to four again, with the power five still to go.
As the power five began, Vixen’s Australian Diamonds Kiera Austin and Sophie Garbin stood up to the test as the duo were clinical from the Super Shot zone, helping bring the score to 40 – 42 with 15 minutes to go.
In what was her 100th SSN game, Austin finished the game with 22 goals and four Super Shots, meaning she has scored the most Super Shots out of all SSN players so far this season.
The match was set up for a nail-biting finish, but it didn’t quite deliver as Vixens dominated winning the quarter comfortably 16-8 and the match 56 – 50.
You can catch up on this match on NetballPass*, here.
Melbourne Mavericks vs West Coast Fever
Whilst it was the final quarter that proved the difference in Vixens vs Thunderbirds, it was the first quarter that changed the games in the Melbourne Mavericks vs West Coast Fever game.
Fever started their party early as they got off to a flying start winning the first 15 minutes by an outstanding 7 – 20.
Australian sisters, Zoe and Jordan Cransberg, had an unbreakable connection in the midcourt, moving the ball with speed and intensity and supplying their clinical Jamaican Sunshine Girl shooter Romelda Aiken-George with pin perfect feeds.
Mavericks did look to bounce back in quarters two and three, with Australian Diamond Jamie-Lee Price key to this as she used her experience to stabilise Maverick’s midcourt and connect their attack and defence creating more fluid periods of play for the home side as they won both middle quarters.
However, it was too little too late as the damage from the opening 15 minutes couldn’t be undone, and Fever won the final quarter 10-14 and the game 47-59.
You can catch up on this game on NetballPass*, here.
Giants Netball vs Sunshine Coast Lightning
Unfortunately for Giants they finish Round 6 still searching for their first win of the season, after Sunshine Coast Lightning struck them down.
Lightning flew out the blocks at the first whistle scoring three goals before Giants could score one.
Giants grew into the game and found stability through Australian Diamond Sophie Dwyer who was clinical under post shooting at 100%.
With 15 minutes to go in the final contest of this round the scores sat level, thanks to Giants third quarter defensive brilliance seeing them close the gap.
However, Lightning used their experience and confidence from their strong season start and were able to maintain control in the final 15 minutes, winning this 9-17 and the game 51 – 59.
Australian Diamond Donnell Wallam was key to this victory as she scored 52 of Lightnings 59 goals and was awarded Player of the Match for her performance.
You can catch up on this match on NetballPass*, here.
Head to NetballPass now to catch up on all the action ahead of Round 7 which starts on Saturday 25th 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.