By Chloe Pilkington
The first NSW derby of the 2023 Super Netball season did not disappoint, with a down to the wire finish between state-rivals GIANTS Netball and the NSW Swifts.
After a shock loss last week against the Queensland Firebirds, GIANTS were eager to return to the winners list and claim bragging rights over their Sydney-based rival.
GIANTS defence stormed out of the blocks early, forcing turnovers and giving the hosts a 3-goal lead (4-1).
A tactical timeout was called by Briony Akle to refocus her side after a couple of wayward balls.
The timeout worked in the Swifts’ favour as they came out firing, chipping away quickly at their score deficit.
Jo Harten missed the first Super Shot of the game and the Swifts were able to capitalise and level the score (9-9).
Sophie Dwyer drained an impressive Super Shot and the GIANTS went into quarter time with a 3-goal margin (16-13).
The Swifts came out blazing in the second quarter, bringing the score back to 18-17.
A long-range attempt by Jo Harten fell short and the Swifts punished down the other end with a goal off the hands of Helen Housby.
Swifts’ GK Sarah Klau shined for her side, coming up with a brilliant intercept to carry her side ahead by 2 (24-26).
As the Swifts took their lead to 4 goals (24-28), the GIANTS were able to get themselves back into the fight after a couple of Super Shots off the hot hands of Harten and Dwyer, bringing the score to 29-30.
GIANTS’ GK Lauren Moore spearheaded the defensive line, pulling off an impressive intercept and Jo Harten rewarded down the other end to level the score (30-30).
Aiken-George sunk a crucial Super Shot and the Swifts led by 1-goal going into half time (32-33).
Going goal-for-goal in a majority of the third quarter, scores were level at 40-40 but the GIANTS broke away after a Super Shot by Sophie Dwyer.
Sophie Fawns entered the game for the Swifts but was unable to sink her first Super Shot and GIANTS secured the rebound.
Helen Housby sunk her first Super Shot of the game as the GIANTS led 47-45.
A cool, calm, and collected Sophie Dwyer answered with another Super Shot, but Housby took on the challenge, confidently sinking her second 2-pointer.
It rained Super Shots at Ken Rosewall Arena, with both Goal Attacks from each side confidently taking aim from anywhere.
Dwyer racked up 7/8 Super Shots, while Housby finished the match with 4 Super Shots and 100% shooting accuracy.
GIANTS finished the third quarter with a 1-goal lead (52-51), but the Swifts showed no sign of backing down from the challenge that was unfolding at the NSW derby.
Aiken-George struggled to find the centre of the ring early in the fourth quarter, with 3 consecutive misses and eventually getting a replay call against her.
Sophie Dwyer also became quiet as the pressure mounted against the GIANTS, missing her third goal and Klau coming up strong for the rebounds.
As the final Power Five began, Harten missed a Super Shot and the Swifts were able to bring the margin back to 1 (63-62).
Going goal-for-goal again, the Swifts called their final tactical timeout of the game as the score was level at 64-64.
A costly fumble from Jo Harten was punished down the other end with a 1-point goal off the hands of Aiken-George.
The Swifts led by 2 (64-66) with 90 seconds left of play, as Klau came up with a monumental intercept against Maddy Hay.
The Swifts patiently ran down the clock, with Housby leading her team to a 64-67 victory and securing the Carole Sykes Memorial Trophy.
