NSW derby witnesses Super Netball’s first mid-game suspension for ‘dangerous play’

The NSW Derby has witnessed the first mid-game suspension in Super Netball since new rules were introduced to combat dangerous play.

Controversial umpiring and the first no-warning suspension under new Super Netball rules overshadowed a 76-52 win by the Swifts over the Giants in Sydney on Sunday afternoon.

Just eight minutes into the match, Giants co-captain Jamie-Lee Price was sent from the court for dangerous play, leaving her team a woman down for two minutes.

The incident in question – a brush with Allie Smith for a 50-50 ball – appeared largely unavoidable, as Price leapt for an intercept then tried to protect herself as Smith came down with the ball on top of her head.

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Under new rules introduced this season, there are no warnings for dangerous play before a suspension. Head or neck contact is automatically considered dangerous, yet players and team officials on both sides were left confused.

“I actually didn’t see what happened or hear the umpires say how long the suspension was for. That’s probably a lesson in terms of the communication to both sides. Super Netball is throwing these challenges at us every week that we haven’t had before,” said Swifts coach Briony Akle.

Jamie-Lee Price had to sit out for two minutes for dangerous play. Photo: Fox Netball.

The Giants were left reeling as the Swifts got out to a six-goal lead, stifling momentum and forcing the Giants to play catch up for the rest of the game. Frustration took over and the Giants visibly let the game go in the second half.

“To have a suspension so early in the game, it is tough to get your head around … I do think scenarios like that do take it out of you later on,” said Giants’ co-captain Jo Harten.

The NSW Swifts have claimed the Carole Sykes trophy 11 times in 17 match ups with their cross-town rivals, but rarely with such dominance. No win in the past 10 games with the Giants has come with a margin of more than four points.

Paige Hadley of the Swifts is challenged by Jamie-Lee Price of the Giants. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Tall ask

After a wobbly performance two weeks ago, Swifts shooter and English international Helen Housby was back to her in-form best. She shot 17 from 18 goals, drained 7 Super Shots and added 11 assists.

Giants’ defensive duo Tilly McDonell and Jodi Ann-Ward were working overtime but failed to gain rebounds from much-taller Housby and Sam Wallace-Joseph.

“Those one per centers, those tips and those touches really fell our way today. Helen Housby was back at her best, she was an absolute menace out there,” said Swifts’ captain Paige Hadley.

Jo Harten of the Giants (centre) was given a warning. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Chippy contest

Halfway through the third quarter, Maddy Turner crash-tackled Sophie Dwyer with an attempted intercept on the edge of the circle. The contact earned a penalty, but Giants players appeared to be asking for the same suspension Price received.

The umpire reversed her decision when Giants shooter Jo Harten voiced an opinion, instead slapping Harten with a warning.

When the Swifts’ Allie Smith went flying across court for an intercept moments later, taking bodies in her path in the third quarter, the ball was gifted to the Swifts again.

“It’s always going to be really hotly contested in a derby. There was a lot of 50-50 ball tonight and we wanted to contest early on in the game, then as the game opened up for them, they did run away with it a bit,” said Harten.

Originally published as NSW derby witnesses Super Netball’s first mid-game suspension for ‘dangerous play’