Giants regain second spot in Super Netball as Thunderbirds crash out
THE Giants have returned to the top two of Super Netball thanks to an emphatic victory over a once champion club now on a record 22-game losing streak.
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THE Giants have returned to the top two of Super Netball thanks to an emphatic victory over a once champion club now on a record 22-game losing streak.
With captain Kim Green sidelined with a calf tear, the Giants beat the Adelaide Thunderbirds 63-44 in Canberra to retake second place on the league ladder behind the West Coast Fever.
It was a disappointing end to what has been a difficult week for the Thunderbirds whose coach Dan Ryan was told he would not have his contract renewed.
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The Thunderbirds, former champions of the no defunct ANZ championship, are now on the hunt for their fifth coach in three years after recording 22 straight losses in Super Netball across the 2017 and 2018 seasons.
“It was a goal for us to get the full eight points for the win and winning each quarter so we have to be happy with that,’’ said Giants defender Bec Bulley.
“We said before the game we wanted to be in second place again so that’s good.
“It is a bit of a confidence booster also ahead of the derby with the Swifts next round.’’
In Sunday’s battle, the Thunderbirds came out with intensity and were rewarded for their efforts, trailing the Giants by just 11-13 at the first break.
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A five-goal streak put the Giants back in control in the second quarter with the hosts then leading 31-20 at halftime and 48-34 heading into the final quarter.
English player Jo Harten, rested late in the game, topscored with 30 goals from 34 attempts.
Next up for the Giants is hosting the Swifts at netball’s newest venue, the International Convention Centre at Darling Harbour.
A round 10 victory is crucial to the Swifts making the playoffs this season after the Abbey McCulloch lead side suffered their second loss on the trot — and their first at home this season — when beaten by the Melbourne Vixens on Saturday.
Crucial to the Giants chances against the Swifts will be the well being of Sam Poolman, Serena Guthrie and Harten, all sent to the sidelines against the Thunderbirds after heavy collisions.
The Vixens took the match 65-58 to consolidate their spot within the top four with just five games in the regular season remaining.
“It’s do-or-die for us now,’’ said Swifts defender Maddy Proud. “We can’t afford any more bad performances.’’
The local derby on Sunday is the first time Super Netball has been played in the city.
In the other Super Netball match on Sunday, Australian captain Caitlin Bassett scored with just three seconds on the clock to deliver Lightning a 58-57 victory in the Queensland derby with the Firebirds.