THERE was no shortage of action in the SSN over the weekend, as history repeated itself for one team against a rival.

Vixens produce nothing but class

Melbourne Vixens (74) defeated GIANTS Netball (60)

A hot first quarter by the Vixens had already solidified their win in the first 15 minutes. A 19-12 first term thanks to three super shots from Kiera Austin (17 goals, 27 feeds and 20 goal assists) and Sophie Garbin (51 goals, 10 feeds, two intercepts and two rebounds) being available at every moment. The whole Vixens attack line made it seem like there was no defensive pressure from the GIANTS defenders.

Silver Fern Gina Crampton (13 centre pass receives, 11 feeds and 10 goal assists) finally made her Super Netball debut at half time and she really shone in the GIANTS attack end. When the GIANTS became more comfortable with Crampton out on court, the ball would get into their shooting circle nearly every time.

Another goal after the final siren for Garbin really summed up the game for the home side taking out a convincing win by 14 points. The Vixens took out the first three quarters and drew the fourth 21 all.

Fever too good on the Sunny Coast

Sunshine Coast Lightning (68) defeated by West Coast Fever (71)

Thankfully for the Lightning, the result didn’t repeat the last time these two teams met in round, turning a 25-point loss into only a three-point loss. Not a win, but great improvement over six weeks. Fever had history on their side, taking out powerful wins over the Lightning in most recent years, 

The connection between Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard (55 goals and two rebounds) and Alice Teague-Neeld (28 feeds and 24 goal assists) is back to unstoppable status. Teague-Neeld’s stats match her opposition in Liz Watson, but with five less turnovers. It wasn’t all Fever’s way though.

Ash Ervin (four deflections and two intercepts) had a blinder and a half against Fowler-Nembhard, forcing her into places on the court where the shooter felt uncomfortable. Mahalia Cassidy (three intercepts and two deflections) has also made wing defence her own in the absence of Ava Black being an absolute menace.

It was the super shot that let the Lightning down, not having a solid super shot strategy and the Fever took full advantage of the rule securing the win away from home.

Firebirds take full advantage of missing Thunderbirds unit

Queensland Firebirds (52) defeated Adelaide Thunderbirds (42)

No Georgie Horjus for the Thunderbirds today but one player couldn’t possibly make that much difference. Wrong, Horjus keeps their attack line flowing with her beautiful vision in and around the shooting circle and that spark just seemed to be missing in their 10-point loss.

The formidable defensive duo of Ruby Bakewell-Doran (seven deflections, two intercepts and two rebounds) and Remi Kamo (four deflections, two intercepts and two rebounds) was working wonders. It wasn’t so much of a convincing win, but a win nonetheless. Jess Milne also stepped on the SSN court for the first time wearing the purple dress in the dying minutes of the fourth quarter.

The Thunderbirds defenders won back plenty of ball with 13 gains, but their attack line weren’t able to convert using all four of their shooters and giving training partner Kayla Graham her debut. All shooters ended the game with a combined -49.5 NNP.

Mavericks get first win at home

Melbourne Mavericks (64) defeated NSW Swifts (58)

A dominant third quarter by the Mavericks got a pep in their step to secure their first home game of the season.

An insane second quarter by Sarah Klau (eight deflections and five intercepts) reduced the deficit through her three intercepts, two deflections and one rebound, earning her 43.4 NNP’s just in that term.

The Swifts led by one at half time, but a 23-12 third term by the Mavericks was just what they needed to come out the other side to take the match. Gabby Sinclair (14 goals and 13 feeds) came alive, slotting three of her four super shots in that five minute period alone.

In classic Swifts fashion, Helen Housby (28 goals and 10 feeds) shot eight super shots to keep the NSW based team within touching distance. But smothering defence from Amy Parmenter (five intercepts) and Kim Jenner (10 deflections and two intercepts) – who has been improving week in week out – was too much for the Swifts to counter.

The lead got out to as much as 12, but the Swifts took out the last quarter in style and unfortunately for them not getting the win and going down by six points. The Team Girls Cup curse continues to live on.

Jemma Donoghue made her Swifts debut in goal defence after spending several years in the UK and within the GIANTS system.

Super Netball Reserves

Firebirds (60) v Fever (47)

Lightning (51) v Thunderbirds (60)

Vixens (64) v GIANTS (57)

Lightning (62) v Fever (50)

Firebirds (47) v Thunderbirds (70)

Vixens (61) v Swifts (62)