Super Netball results: Melbourne Vixens claim derby bragging rights to keep finals hopes alive

News.com.au

8 hours ago

Melbourne Vixens have retained bragging rights over cross-town rivals Melbourne Mavericks to keep their finals push alive after goaler Sophie Garbin spearheaded the team to a big win in their derby at John Cain Arena.
In the fourth instalment of the budding rivalry between Victoria's two Super Netball teams, the Vixens powered to a 66-57 victory on Sunday to keep their unbeaten record intact against the league's fledgling franchise.
Igniting the win with a powerful start, the Vixens were led by an MVP performance from Diamonds' goaler Garbin, who shot 48 goals from 51 attempts.
Vixens' captain Kate Moloney led the charge in the midcourt, while Jo Weston had a game high five deflections in defence.
The victory pushed the Vixens – at least momentarily – into the top four as they continue to fight the Thunderbirds for a position in the finals.
After their third-straight win, the Vixens face a testing month ahead with matches against the New South Wales Swifts, Sunshine Coast Lightning and Thunderbirds.
Shimona Jok (30 from 32) topscored for the Mavs, who rotated their goal circle throughout the match with Sasha Glasgow (8/10) Uneeq Palavi (12/17).
The Mavericks remain in sixth position on the ladder and face a big challenge next week against the West Coast Fever.
There was an audible sigh around the stadium after Mavericks' goal attack Sasha Glasgow crashed to the court heavily late in the third quarter.
Contesting a rebound against Vixens, defenders Weston and Kate Eddy, Glasgow hit the court hard as she crashed out of court.
After sitting up and adjusting her hair, Glasgow continued to play and was straight into the action with a deflection in the next passage of play before nailing a super shot with the next score.
It was a bruising battle at times with bodies clashing and players hitting the deck.
FAST START
The Vixens blew the Mavericks away early with a blistering start to the match, racing to a 7-0 lead courtesy of their sharp ball movement and slick work in the goal circle.
The Mavericks did not put their first score on the board – via Glasgow – until four and a half minutes into the match.
While they eventually got the scoreboard ticking over, the Mavericks were staring at a 19-11 deficit at quarter-time.
The Mavericks were able to cut a game-high gap of 12 in the second quarter, their slow start left them with too much ground to make up.