IT was a highly physical encounter with plenty of players hitting the deck for both the GIANTS and Thunderbirds but in the end the GIANTS prevailed by 14 goals (54-40). The game was not without plenty of controversy and injuries with both Sasha Glasgow and Emma Ryde going down with knee injuries while Shamera Sterling was handed a caution.

With a spot in the top four up for grabs, the GIANTS came to play quickly surging ahead thanks to a 17 to seven first quarter. Shooters Jo Harten and Caitlin Bassett found their feet with both goalers combining well in the circle and setting up clever plays for one another however they struggled for accuracy with a combined percentage of 71. Harten did a wealth of work out the front creating plenty of front space for her shooting partner while also showcasing her ability to turn and shoot herself. Despite the repeat entries Sterling stood up down in defence injecting herself into the game with three intercepts, three gains and two deflections. GIANTS centre, Jamie-Lee Price seemed to have the ball on a string throughout the quarter finding good space in the attacking third while running hard in defence to apply strong hands over pressure and block easy avenue to goal for the Thunderbirds. The GIANTS really hit their straps early with their connections across the court on song and unfazed by the physical nature of the game. With only seconds left in the quarter Glasgow went down with a suspected knee injury after landing awkwardly sending shock waves throughout the Thunderbirds camp but continued to play.

The Thunderbirds lifted their intensity in the second quarter but were still searching for a spark. South African, Shadine Van der Merwe made her way onto the court in goal defence and made an immediate impact for the Thunderbirds winning back some ball and helping to propel it back down the court. With Glasgow injured Ryde took the court using her height and strong holds to command the ball under the post against both Sam Poolman and Kristiana Manu’a. Ryde highlighted her ability to turn and shoot with confidence nailing 10 goals straight while Maria Folau worked tirelessly out the front to draw the attention of Manu’a and create a one on one in the circle. The battle between Maisie Nankivell and veteran Kim Green provided plenty of interest with both players going toe to toe throughout the quarter. Nankivell shadowed Green’s every movement and applied strong hands over pressure to limit her influence in the attacking third however Green was not bothered racking up five goal assists.

After a disappointing start to the game the Thunderbirds showed some fight to draw even on the quarter scores with 10 goals apiece. The Jamaican goal keeper put on a masterclass in defence credit to her long reach, incredible aerial skills and read of the play racking up another five gains, three intercepts, three deflections and two rebounds. The GIANTS brought on youngster Kiera Austin with the wing attack stepping up to the plate immediately with her clever feeds and good vision while also putting in the hard yards defensively with one deflection and one pickup. Amy Parmenter took control in the defensive third with three gains, one intercept and two deflections displaying her ability to apply strong pressure, force turnovers and limit easy access to goals. With the T’birds attack end connecting well they were struck by injury once again with Ryde going down late in the quarter with another suspected knee injury. With two players out Adelaide were forced to make some wholesale changes with Chelsea Pitman dropping into goal attack, Hannah Petty into wing attack and Kelly Altmann coming on in centre. Though Pitman did not hit the scoreboard her work to feed the ball into Folau and create space in the goal circle was second to none.

The GIANTS regained control after a relatively even third term to run out with another bonus point. With effectively one shooter, Folau proved that accuracy was no problem piling on 12 goals from 14 attempts well and truly carrying the load in attack. The Silver Ferns shooter nailed 18 from 22 at 82 per cent while Ryde was going along nicely with 18 from 19 before injury struck. Altmann and Petty paired nicely through the midcourt but the GIANTS were just too good closing down every option and capitalising on turnover ball. Bassett finished with 32 from 38 attempts at 84 per cent while Harten slotted 22 from 28 at 79 per cent both down on their seasons average accuracy. Sterling broke the record for the number of intercepts with an impressive 10 for the game surpassing Emily Mannix’s nine earlier in the season.

STARTING LINE-UP:

Adelaide Thunderbirds:

GS | Sasha Glasgow
GA | Maria Folau
WA | Chelsea Pitman
C | Hannah Petty
WD | Maisie Nankivell
GD | Kate Shimmin
GK | Shamera Sterling

GIANTS Netball:

GS | Caitlin Bassett
GA | Jo Harten
WA | Kim Green
C | Jamie-Lee Price
WD | Amy Parmenter
GD | Kristiana Manu’a
GK | Sam Poolman