It was clear from the outset that both teams were keen to continue their winning momentum after both claiming unexpected victories in Round 1.
The game went goal-for-goal for much of the first quarter, with goalers Helen Housby, Sam Wallace, Sasha Glasgow and Maria Folau all showing off their accurate shooting skills early.
It was a tight defensive tussle right across the court, with both teams shaking off some early adrenaline and giving away some easy possessions with throw-away passes and deflections.
The Swifts were able to settle late in the first quarter and break away to lead by three going into the first break, 14 to 11.
Starting the match in centre, Paige Hadley showed why she’s recently been given a call up to the Samsung Diamonds World Cup squad, applying strong defensive pressure and feeding well up the Swifts’ attack end.
The Adelaide Thunderbirds shuffled their entire court structure during a timeout half-way through the second quarter, leaving only Chelsea Pitman in her original starting position.
The Thunderbirds couldn’t seem to settle despite the changes, and the Swifts quickly capitalised up their attack end.
Swifts’ goal shooter Sam Wallace continued her impressive accuracy, shooting at 100% for the entire match, having a stand-out performance on court and helping the Swifts take a 35-21 lead into half-time.
The Thunderbirds then came out firing in the third quarter, scoring six to the Swifts’ three goals in the first five minutes but couldn’t quite hold on to the momentum.
Young Swifts duo, Sarah Klau and Maddy Turner, continued with their dominant defensive form, reading the play well and taking intercepts at key moments.
Up the Thunderbirds defensive end, Round 1 Nissan Net Points Player of the Week Shamera Sterling got her hand to several balls in the Swifts goal circle but was unable to have the same impact she had last week.
Overall, it was an even third quarter, but the Swifts were able to claim their third bonus point for the match, winning the quarter and stretching their lead out to 15 (48 to 33).
The Thunderbirds were left looking for answers in the final quarter and the Swifts were able to get all 10 athletes on the court with Sophie Garbin and Sophie Halpin coming on for Wallace and defender Kate Eddy.
The Swifts didn’t take their foot off the accelerator and finished the match strong, showing the Suncorp Super Netball league that they are a young force to be reckoned with.
Score breakdown
Q1: Swifts 14 v Thunderbirds 11
Q2: Swifts 21 v Thunderbirds 10
Q3: Swifts 13 v Thunderbirds 12
Q4: Swifts 13 v Thunderbirds 10
Suncorp Super Netball Premiership Points
Swifts – 8
Thunderbirds – 0
Nissan Player of the Match
Helen Housby – NSW Swifts
Swifts shooting statistics
Sam Wallace: 31/31 (100%)
Helen Housby: 24/28 (86%)
Sophie Garbin: 6/6 (100%)
Thunderbirds shooting statistics
Sasha Glasgow: 24/28 (86%)
Maria Folau: 19/23 (83%)
Swifts starting seven:
GS – Sam Wallace, GA – Helen Housby, WA – Maddy Proud, C – Paige Hadley, WD – Kate Eddy, GD – Maddy Turner, GK – Sarah Klau
Thunderbirds starting seven:
GS – Sasha Glasgow, GA – Maria Folau, WA – Chelsea Pitman, C – Kelly Altmann, WD – Beth Cobden, GD – Layla Guscoth, GK – Shamera Sterling
VIEW MATCH CENTRE
