THE Melbourne Vixens were looking to fight their way back to premiership contention this week after some average weeks on the track, and bite back they did – against one of the premiership favourites, no less. Coming into this match it looked like all the momentum was heading the Sunshine Coast Lightning’s way after some exceptional form, before a dominant performance from the visitors proved once again that no team is unbeatable this season. The Vixens caused changes across the court, with the usually unfazed Lightning unable to compete with the Vixens on a mission and going down by 10 points (52-62).

The Lightning got off to a speedy start as the jumpy Vixens struggled to compose themselves against the confident and high-flying side. Lightning’s defensive pressure was on the ups as the Vixens struggled to get the ball into the circle, not getting a second goal on the board until almost three minutes of play. As the Vixens settled, however, the Lightning dropped in intensity. The Vixens fought their way back into the contest, shooting four consecutive goals in the final minutes of the first to take the lead as well as the first bonus point.

It was the Vixens that came out strong in the second term, as circle defenders Jo Weston and Emily Mannix did wonders to cause sloppiness to Lightning’s attacking unit. The usually strong Peace Proscovia (26 goals from 28 attempts) sat on a high accuracy but struggled with bad hands as Mannix put her under the pump, causing errors and wayward passes into the circle. Cara Koenen was injected into the game in Proscovia’s place, moving well and providing a different option for the Vixens to think about, but was unable to work herself into the match with only five from six in the second term. Steph Wood did well to create space, however with the likes of Renae Ingles all over Laura Scherian, it was tough work for the goalers to put the ball up.

Lightning’s defence was solid as ever, and though the Vixens had to work for every ball, they found some good space and consistency as the momentum swung their way. The Vixens midcourt worked wonders, with Ingles creating constant pressure through the centre third and taking some of the defensive load as Kate Moloney battled 200-gamer, Laura Langman. Langman didn’t seem to be at her usual level, with only 11 feeds from 18 assists and five turnovers, while Moloney was exceptional taking advantage of the loose ball with three pickups, also generating two gains and two intercepts as she peppered the circle with feeds (20 assists from 30 feeds). Liz Watson did her job well, moving through the space to open options in attack, picking up 28 assists for her efforts and seeming unstoppable despite the efforts of Madeline McAuliffe. The Vixens’ midcourt defence slowed the Lightning in their tracks, with the Lightning’s typical smooth transition down the centre passage faltering as the visitors clogged the middle third. Unable to speed down the court, the Lightning were unable to use turnovers to advantage, and gave more opportunities to the Vixens as the visitors fought for every ball.

The Vixens’ cleanliness was apparent, with even leading interceptor Karla Pretorius not up to her usual standard as Tegan Philip put her speed and athleticism to the test, running laps around her and shooting 26 goals at 90 per cent. Phumza Maweni provided some good hands over pressure inside the circle to cause some held ball, however penalties cost her under the post, with 23 alone – especially when compared to the Vixens’ highest in Jo Weston, with 13. Philip’s connection with goal shooter, Caitlin Thwaites (33 goals from 37 attempts) was a standout, with the agile pair using their footwork and game smarts to rotate the circle and benefit from the strong feeds of Watson and Moloney.

The third term saw changes made all over the court for Lightning with Wood moved out to wing attack as Proscovia and Koenen shared the circle. McAuliffe was sent to the bench with Jacqui Russell injected into the match, while the final quarter saw an unprecedented change as young defender Annika Lee-Jones took the court in the place of Pretorius. The Vixens finished with a bang, losing the final quarter but emptying the bench in the dying stages of the game to prove their dominance, holding up against the Lightning’s final quarter fight back. Lara Dunkley debuted in wing attack as Watson was retired from the court after a dominant performance, while Ine-Mari Venter replaced Thwaites in the circle to shoot three from three and Kadie-Ann Dehaney took the goal keeper bib.

With a dominant performance and three bonus points under their belt, the Vixens will return home next week as they clash with the Magpies for Queens Birthday glory on Monday. Meanwhile, the Lightning travel to Darwin to face Adelaide Thunderbirds for the first Suncorp Super Netball match at the new Territory Netball Stadium.

STARTING LINE-UPS:

Sunshine Coast Lightning:

GS | Peace Proscovia
GA | Steph Wood
WA | Laura Scherian
C | Laura Langman
WD | Maddy McAuliffe
GD | Karla Pretorius
GK | Phumza Maweni

Melbourne Vixens:

GS | Caitlin Thwaites
GA | Tegan Philip
WA | Liz Watson
C | Kate Moloney
WD | Renae Ingles
GD | Jo Weston
GK | Emily Mannix