Giants stand alone on top of Super Netball table after thrilling win over Lightning

THE Giants stand alone at the top of the Super Netball ladder after fending off one of their major rivals with a thrilling 55-54 defeat of fellow newcomers Sunshine Lightning.

The Giants remain unbeaten after round four of Super Netball after a win over the Sunshine Lightning

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THE Giants stand alone at the top of the Super Netball ladder after fending off one of their major rivals with a thrilling 55-54 defeat of fellow newcomers Sunshine Lightning.

The Kim Green-captained side is the only undefeated team in the league after four rounds.

“I think it showed a bit of our class that we were able to get there in the end,” she said.

The Giants came from behind to take control of the match in the second half but in the final minutes of the game, the Lightning regained the lead. But the Giants remained composed to hit the front in the final 60 seconds.

“That composure has come in handy a couple of times now,” said centre Serena Guthrie.

“We know it’s early days, this is just round four, but it’s still a big thing to be top of the table for us.”

Caitlin Bassett and Sam Poolman contest for the ball in Saturday night’s clash

Rising star Kristina Brice proved the difference, coming on to replace English international Jo Harten in the circle in the second half in what was a master stroke by coach Julie Fitzgerald.

The physically imposing shooter, who toured with the Diamonds as a training partner earlier this year, provided stability and raised the Giants strike rate, ending the game with 17 from 19 attempts.

Her presence on the court lifted veteran Susan Pettitt, who netted 23 from 29. Lightning star Caitlin Bassett took MVP honours with 45 from 47.

The Vixens defeated the West Coast Fever 56-45.