THE Finals Day of the 2022 Team Girls Cup brought a lot of exciting and entertaining netball for all fans to enjoy.

Day Three of the tournament saw wins to the GIANTS, Queensland Firebirds, Adelaide Thunderbirds and Melbourne Vixens.

NSW Swifts (27) defeated by GIANTS Netball (41)

First up it was a replay of last year’s Grand Final in the fourth place play off.

It was goal for goal for much of the opening stages of the first quarter, but after some clever intercept work from the GIANTS they started to build a handy lead for themselves.

The GIANTS’ use of space was particularly impressive in the first term, and at quarter time they had a five goal lead.

The GIANTS continued to grow their lead in the second, and by the time the half time buzzer sounded, their lead had ballooned out to 11.

It was goal for goal for much of the third term, but a couple of late extra goals saw the GIANTS’ lead extend out to 13.

The Swifts looked like they were going to win the final term, but a late Jo Harten supershot ensured that would not be the case, and the GIANTS ultimately won by 14.

Fatigue may have also played a part in today’s result. With no Helen Housby the Swifts were down to only two on the bench, whereas the GIANTS had five.

For the GIANTS Sophie Dwyer was a standout, particularly early on. Her movement and ability to find space in the goal third was impressive.

Meanwhile for the Swifts, the work rate of Maddy Proud was seriously impressive. She was a workhorse all game despite the situation she and her teammates found themselves in.

Queensland Firebirds (52) defeated Collingwood Magpies (50)

It was a very even opening term, with both sides going goal for goal for much of the opening term. A late goal to the Magpies ensured they held a narrow two goal lead at the first break.

That lead quickly evaporated in the opening minutes of the second term about before they knew it, it was the Firebirds who were leading. The Firebirds’ defensive pressure intensified in the second term, and made it a lot harder for the Magpies and made them really earn every pass and shot. A couple of late super shots saw the Firebirds lead by five goals at the main break.

The third quarter was a much better quarter from the Magpies. Although the Firebirds kept pace with them at times, they comfortably won the quarter and by the time the teams turned for home the margin was two goals in their favour.

By the time the Power Time came around in the final quarter, the scores were dead even again and it was anyone’s game. The Firebirds then broke away and created a tight lead for themselves, and although the Magpies came back at them late, a fumble from Shimona Nelson halted their charge and the Firebirds held on to win by two.

For the Firebirds, Gretel Bueta had a great game. Her shooting was accurate and her body work and positioning was particularly impressive.

Meanwhile for the Magpies, Molly Jovic and Kelsey Browne’s work rates were particularly impressive. They played in their respective positions (C and WA) all game, not coming off for a break once and just kept running all game.

Sunshine Coast Lightning (32) defeated by Adelaide Thunderbirds (53)

The Thunderbirds jumped out to an early lead, and looked like the much better side in the opening minutes. Their defensive game was strong and they were denying the Lightning many opportunities to shoot. By the time the quarter time break rolled around, it was a ten goal lead to the Thunderbirds.

The Thunderbirds’ defensive work was just as strong in the second quarter, and they were able to extend their lead out ever so slightly to a margin of 11 at the main break.

They grew their lead even further in the third term, and by the time the teams turned for home the margin had ballooned to 18.

The Lightning were leading the quarter in the final term, but a couple of super shots from the Thunderbirds meant that they ultimately did not go on to win the term.

In the end the margin was 19 in favour of the Thunderbirds.

One player that really stood out was Thunderbird Latanya Wilson, who starred in Goal Keeper. She was taking a lot of intercepts, and creating a lot of rebound and drive back up the court for her team.

Melbourne Vixens (45) defeated West Coast Fever (43)

The opening half of the first term was befitting of its Grand Final title. It was goal for goal with neither side giving an inch.

Then, after a defensive intercept from Jo Weston the Vixens were able to establish a small lead for themselves.

At quarter time the margin was two goals in favour of the Vixens.

The Vixens really started to get on top in the second term, and created a handy buffer.

Not even a break in play to let Stacey Francis-Bayman be reunited with her shoe could stop the Vixens’ momentum, and by half time the margin was at seven goals.

The beginning of the third term saw the Vixens continue where they left off from the first half. They got on quite a roll and before anyone knew it the margin was out to 10 goals.

The Fever came back at the Vixens though, and by the time the teams turned for home the margin was back to seven goals.

The Fever got the margin back down to as low as three goals early in the last, but then the Vixens seemed to steady their nerve and get the margin back out to five. However, by the time the Power Time came around the margin was back down to two. The Vixens then held their nerve though, and off the back of some great defensive intercepts went on to win by two goals.

Rahni Samason was again impressive, really showcasing her ability to shoot from anywhere in the ring. Ruby Barkmeyer was also very accurate in front of goal.

Jhaniele Fowler again used her height really well to her advantage for the Fever. She was at least a head taller the all of the Vixens’ defenders, so she able to have the ball lobbed into her and be able to take it without any issues.