AFTER a tough few weeks, GIANTS Netball are back on the winners list, defeating Collingwood Magpies 76–61 at Ken Rosewall Arena in Round 5 of the Suncorp Super Netball.

It was the Magpies who got out to a fast start, and raced out to a 4-1 lead before the GIANTS pegged it back. Just as quickly as the Magpies built the lead, the GIANTS eliminated it again, and then built a small lead of their own. They were able to maintain a lead of various margins for the rest of the term, and were certainly the better side in the opening quarter.

Two Super Shots in a row from the GIANTS saw them take a nice eight goal lead into the first break. It was a frenetic pace to start the second term, but it was still a very even start with both sides going goal for goal. Although the GIANTS maintained their eight goal lead for much of the first ten minutes of the term, as the power five drew closer the Magpies brought the lead back to as little as six goals.

During the power five the margin got even closer, down to as little as three goals. The GIANTS did extend it back at though, and at the major break they held a six goal lead. One huge positive of the GIANTS’ first half effort was their intercepts, which were seriously impressive.

Meanwhile for the Magpies, the long passes into the shooting circle that were a key feature of their win mid week made a return in this game. An increase in the Collingwood defence early in the third term forced the GIANTS had to go long as they went forward, but it did not matter as they were still able to convert.

It was goal for goal for much of the opening ten minutes, but the GIANTS did extend their lead out to as much as eight goals. Magpies coach Nicole Richardson rung the changes on the eve of the power five period in the hope to turn things around for her side.

It did seem to work as they reduced the margin down to seven, but the GIANTS extended their margin back out to over 10 goals, and that is what the margin was at the final change. It was much a mere formality for the GIANTS in the last term. They did extend their lead out to 12 but the lead got reduced back to 10, and it was goal for goal for much of the term. The GIANTS then extended it out to as much as 14 during the power five. Nyah Allen found her range from super shot zone late for the Pies, but it was much a case of too little too late as the GIANTS ran away with the win.

For the GIANTS, they had stars performing well up both ends of the court. Matilda McDonell (wo intercepts, one deflection and two rebounds) had a really impressive game on Shimona Nelson, while shooters Jo Harten and Sophie Dwyer were on fire in front of the ring. Harten did not miss a shot all night from either regular or super shot range with a massive 50 goals at 100 per cent, while Dwyer only missed one regular and two super shots (23 fro 26). Jamie-Lee Price and Maddie Hay also combined for 44 goal assists in an impressive midcourt effort.

Nelson still shot 48 goals from 51 attempts, whilst Allen finished with 10 from 16, as well as 17 goal assists. Kelsey Browne also stepped up moving from centre to wing attack, picking up a team-high 19 goal assists and three intercepts, as well as one deflection. Jacqui Newton produced nine deflections from the defensive goal circle.

Next weekend the GIANTS are at home again, playing host to the Fever, while the Magpies are in Queensland to face the Firebirds.

GIANTS NETBALL 21 | 16 | 19 | 20 (76)
COLLINGWOOD MAGPIES 13 | 18 | 15 | 15 (61)

STARTING SEVENS:

GIANTS Netball

GS: Jo Harten
GA: Sophie Dwyer
WA: Maddie Hay
C: Jamie-Lee Price
WD: Amy Parmenter
GD: April Brandley
GK: Tilly McDonnell

Collingwood Magpies

GS: Shimona Nelson
GA: Nyah Allen
WA: Maggie Lind
C: Kelsey Browne
WD: Ash Brazill
GD: Jodi-Ann Ward
GK: Jacqui Newton