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The Adelaide Thunderbirds are one step closer to meeting the NSW Swifts in the trans-Tasman netball grand final after defeating the Melbourne Vixens 53-48 at ETSA Park tonight.
The home side struggled early as their shooters seemingly suffered from nerves, missing their first seven attempts at goal.
It was more than five minutes into the game before the Thunderbirds were able to put a point on the board.
Clever intercepts and perfect shooting accuracy from Sharelle McMahon proved to be the strength of the Vixens with Caitlin Thwaites also putting in a number of spectacular long range goals.
By quartertime the Vixens led by eight goals but it was a short-lived advantage as Mo’onia Gerrard was moved into goal defence and went on to pressure McMahon.
A missed pass by Vixens wing attack Wendy Jacobsen opened an opportunity for Thunderbirds captain Natalie von Bertouch to step in and allowed the Thunderbirds to get back to 24-24 at halftime.
Vixens centre Natasha Chokljat went into the game after doubt about a knee ligament but played 60 minutes and helped secure a two-goal lead for the Melbourne side going into the final quarter.
Strong support from the Adelaide crowd gave shooters Kate Beveridge and Natalie Medhurst the confidence and composure they needed to push the Thunderbirds over the line.
The Thunderbirds play New Zealand’s Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic next Monday for the right to meet the NSW Swifts in the grand final on July 28.
Vixens coach Julie Hoornweg said it would take a couple of days for her team to get over the disappointment.
“We just didn’t sustain the four quarters and the game was fairly indicative of our style this season, we’ve really struggled for consistency,” Hoornweg said.
“We don’t accept second-best, third-best, fourth-best … so you can expect a very hungry team next year.”
Thunderbirds coach Jane Woodlands said although the game did not follow her script she was pleased with how her team pulled it together in the final quarter.
Woodlands said any nerves that affected the start of their game was symptomatic of the young ages of many of the Thunderbirds.
“Beveridge showed us she can turn it around,” she said.
Hoornweg agreed Beveridge played an interesting game.
“She really stuck at it and found her rhythm,” she said.
Woodlands said she was looking forward to playing the Magic.
“It will be the ultimate measuring stick,” she said.