Blog: Suncorp Team Girls Cup day one

Thunderbirds end day one on winning note

9pm, February 24

The Adelaide Thunderbirds have closed day one of the Suncorp Team Girls Cup with a convincing win against the Queensland Firebirds (51-33).

The Thunderbirds completely dominated the second half, winning the third term 15-8.

Latanya Wilson had an absolute blinder in the GD bib, making six gains - four of those were intercepts. 

Georgia Horjus also had a day out. Her work around the circle was brilliant. She finished with 21 feeds.

The Thunderbirds win brought day one to a close. We're back tomorrow from 11am local time.

Thunderbirds ahead at main break

7.25pm, February 24

The Adelaide Thunderbirds have carried a two-goal buffer (21-19) into the half-time off the back of a super shot from English import Elle Cardwell.

Thrilling draw after Shimona buzzer beater

7pm, February 24

You could not split the Sunshine Coast Lightning and Collingwood Magpies after a thrilling super shot from Shimona Nelson drew scores level on the final siren (38-38).

The Lightning looked like running away with it before the Pies launched a fourth quarter comeback.

Nelson was impressive, as was Lightning training partner Ava Black. Black's tenacity and speed on full display.

Pies impressive in first half

6.30pm, February 24

At half-time in game number three the Sunshine Coast Lightning have a narrow lead over the Collingwood Magpies, 19-16.

There were plenty of rotations made by both sides in the opening half, with no short of talent on display.

Kadie-Ann Dehaney worked tirelessly in defence while Charlie Bell stood tall under the post, shooting 11/12.

Jodi-Ann Ward had three gains for the Pies, and Kelsey Browne had 11 feeds.

Vixens victorious after stellar final term

5.55pm, February 24

The Melbourne Vixens have snared victory (47-40) from the GIANTS after a near flawless second half.

It was an incredibly tight battle on court with the teams trading goals for much of the match until the Vixens managed to break free in the last term, doubling the GIANTS' score for the quarter.

Kate Moloney, Emily Mannix and Liv Lewis combined for nine deflections and three intercepts.

At the other end Lauren Moore was a standout with three intercepts to her name.

Mwai Kumwenda was also unstoppable from the moment she entered the game. She finished with 100 per cent shooting accuracy at 17/17.

GIANTS take narrow advantage at the half

5.25pm, February 24

You could barely separate the Melbourne Vixen and GIANTS heading into half-time with the team in orange taking a one goal lead (23-22) into the first break.

As expected it was a physical and fast battle on court, offering a nod to last year's SSN preliminary final.

Kiera Austin had a brilliant half out in goal attack, slotting 13/16. At the other end Matisse Letherbarrow was impressive under the post for the GIANTS, in the absence of Jo Harten.

Amy Sligar also had a ripping first half taking three intercepts. Maddy Hay also had 21 feeds by half-time.

Swifts claim first scalp

5pm, Friday February 24

The West Coast Fever launched a fourth quarter comeback but it wasn't enough to rattle the NSW Swifts who claimed the first match of the Suncorp Team Girls Cup 41-37.

Romelda Aiken-George finished with 25/30 and had an immediate impact as soon as she stepped on court in Swifts colours.

Fever finished strong but the damage had already been done. The Swifts looked slick from start to finish off the back of some impressive defensive work and movement outside the shooting circle - led by Paige Hadley and Maddy Proud.

Next up, the Melbourne Vixens will face-off with the GIANTS.

Swifts ahead at the half

4.20pm, Friday February 24

The NSW Swifts have taken a six-goal lead (23-17) into the main break after an impressive second quarter.

The Swifts scored 15 to the Fever's seven goals in the second term to reclaim the lead after a strong start from the west Aussies.

Jamaican superstar Romelda Aiken-George was back out on court for the first time as a Swift, scoring 16 of the teams' first-half goals. She combined well with Helen Housby while Sarah Klau and Maddy Turner held up strong in defence.

Tayla Fraser started the game out at wing attack for the Swifts.

The Fever also started the match with a new combination of Sasha Glasgow and Nat Butler in the shooting circle. Glasgow really lead the way, shooting at 100 per cent (7-7).

A new story begins

3.45pm, Friday February 24

The world's best netballers are about to step out on court to get the 2023 pre-season tournament underway on the Gold Coast.

The NSW Swifts and West Coast Fever will open proceedings at the Gold Coast Sports & Leisure Centre before the Melbourne Vixens and GIANTS go head to head.

You can find the full fixture here. 

We will update this blog as the action unfolds on the Gold Coast.

Don't forget, you can watch the action live on Foxtel or Kayo Freebies.