Swifts survive Giants’ super shot onslaught to earn bragging rights in derby

NSW Swifts clawed their way to a comeback derby win over the Giants.

Swifts’ English import Helen Housby gets a pass away against the Giants. Picture: Getty Images

NSW Swifts’ premiership poise has come to the fore in the first game of the season, with the titleholders clawing their way to a 63-61 comeback derby win over the Giants.

In a match that went down to the wire, the Swifts maintained possession in the dying seconds to hold out the fast finishing Giants, who threatened to steal the match through their proficiency at the two-goal super shot.

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The victory ended a week of turmoil for both teams, who were set to host matches at Sydney’s Ken Rosewall Arena this weekend to open the Super Netball season but Queensland’s decision to close its borders to Greater Sydney due to COVID-19 caused an 11th-hour fixture change with all teams now in the Brisbane hub.

The hastily-organised fixture meant no crowd at Nissan Arena but there was still plenty of spice in the derby.

The Giants held a five-goal halftime lead, thanks in large part to the hot hand of English shooter Jo Harten, who sank seven-of-nine super shots — the goal allotted two points when sunk from a designated zone in the final five minutes of the quarter.

The Swifts started tentatively but gained momentum as the match wore on and benefited from the confidence gained during last year’s premiership run.

They regained the lead in the third term and while challenged down the stretch as Harten and Giants debutant Sophie Dwyer continued to land long bombs in the final minutes, they maintained their composure to seal the win.

The Swifts were dealt a massive blow on match eve with news Maddy Turner would miss the game with an ankle injury which is likely to sideline her for at least four rounds.

But it marked a comeback for captain Maddy Proud, who played her first competitive match after rupturing her ACL last year, the three-month season delay caused by the COVID-19 pandemic handing her the opportunity to complete her rehabilitation.

Proud played strongly in the midcourt, but it was Trinidad and Tobago shooter Sam Wallace who led the way, making 33 of 40 attempts, including several from long range, to lead the fightback.

Defenders Lauren Moore and Sarah Klau also played a key role, shutting down Harten, Caitlin Bassett and Dwyer to seal a vital win.

In Sunday’s final game at Nissan Arena, Melbourne Vixens defeated Collingwood Magpies 63-52 after a final quarter burst. The teams were locked at 29 apiece at halftime but an 18-9 final quarter gave the Vixens bragging rights in the local derby.

NCA Newswire