NSW Swifts out to protect undefeated run at home against Vixens
THEY might not be sitting pretty on the Super Netball ladder just yet but there is one record the NSW Swifts are taking great pride in this season.
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THEY might not be sitting pretty on the Super Netball ladder just yet but there is one record the Swifts are taking great pride in this season.
Slipping to sixth last round after a loss to the Firebirds, the Swifts need to keep their flawless home record intact against the Melbourne Vixens in Sydney on Saturday to fuel their bid for a top four finish in the competition.
Captain Abbey McCulloch said their five-game run at home is a source of pride for the team, one of the big improvers from the inaugural Super Netball season in 2017.
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An additional incentive for the win over Vixens is the famed Sargeant/McKinnis Cup.
Named after Vixens coach Simone McKinnis and Sydney netball legend Anne Sargeant, the trophy has been on offer since 2008 and is decided on aggregate of their two meetings every year.
After a round two loss to their Melbourne rivals in the first half of the season the Swifts need to win by three to reclaim the cup.
“We lost our first game this season to them by two so we need to win at home by three,’’ said captain Abbey McCulloch.
“It’s always a great battle between the Vixens and Swifts. We play very similar netball.
“For us ever player needs to win their individual battle this week. Everyone needs to take responsibility for their own position.’’
ROUND NINE GAMES
Saturday June 30
3pm: NSW Swifts v Melbourne Vixens, Quaycentre, Sydney
7pm: Magpies v West Coast Fever, Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne
Sunday July 1
1pm: Sunshine Coast Lightning v Queensland Firebirds. USC Stadium, Sunshine Coast
3pm: Giants v Adelaide Thunderbirds, AIS Arena, Canberra