Swifts hold nerve to sink Firebirds in extra time
After losing four of their past five games the second-placed Swifts entered Sunday's match in desperate need of a confidence-boosting win.
NSW looked to have the win in the bag after opening a six-goal lead with less than five minutes remaining.
But a Super Shot bonanza by the Firebirds sent the game into extra time.
Scores were level at 75-apiece early in the second period of extra time, but a series of mistakes from the Firebirds allowed the Swifts to score the final four goals of the match.
NSW goal attack Helen Housby nailed six-of-eight super shots in a hot shooting display, while Grace Nweke finished with 59 goals from 66 attempts.
For the Firebirds, Mary Cholhok nailed 47-of-53, as well as a super shot, while Emily Moore was six of 10 from super shot range.
NSW (10-4) will travel to Perth next week to take on the ladder-leading Fever in the major semi-final.
The winner secures a direct berth into the August 2 grand final in Melbourne, while the loser goes to the preliminary final.
Season 2025 will be one to forget for the Firebirds, who won their first two games before losing the remaining 12 to take the wooden spoon.
The Swifts announced before Sunday's match that Teigan O'Shannassy had been officially ruled out of the finals series with a back injury, while co-captain Paige Hadley was rested due to a foot injury.
Housby's hot shooting from range in the first half helped give NSW a 34-30 edge at the long break.
Veteran Swifts star Verity Simmons grew increasingly frustrated with some of the Firebirds' delaying tactics in the first half, and she received a talking-to from the umpire late in the second quarter.
"I don't think we're really having the umpires on our side at the moment, it's really tough," Simmons told Fox Sports at halftime.
"It's a hard game to umpire, I understand that, but I think we all need to leave the frustrations at bay.
"It's the delaying stuff, that's the stuff we can change. It ticks the clock over, which does change the game. If it's both ways, no worries."
The second half was a captivating affair, with the Firebirds hitting back late to send it to extra time, only for the Swifts to come up trumps after that.
The NSW Swifts will enter the Super Netball finals on a winning note after overcoming the Queensland Firebirds 79-75 in an extra-time thriller at Nissan Arena.
After losing four of their past five games the second-placed Swifts entered Sunday's match in desperate need of a confidence-boosting win.
NSW looked to have the win in the bag after opening a six-goal lead with less than five minutes remaining.
But a Super Shot bonanza by the Firebirds sent the game into extra time.
Scores were level at 75-apiece early in the second period of extra time, but a series of mistakes from the Firebirds allowed the Swifts to score the final four goals of the match.
NSW goal attack Helen Housby nailed six-of-eight super shots in a hot shooting display, while Grace Nweke finished with 59 goals from 66 attempts.
For the Firebirds, Mary Cholhok nailed 47-of-53, as well as a super shot, while Emily Moore was six of 10 from super shot range.
NSW (10-4) will travel to Perth next week to take on the ladder-leading Fever in the major semi-final.
The winner secures a direct berth into the August 2 grand final in Melbourne, while the loser goes to the preliminary final.
Season 2025 will be one to forget for the Firebirds, who won their first two games before losing the remaining 12 to take the wooden spoon.
The Swifts announced before Sunday's match that Teigan O'Shannassy had been officially ruled out of the finals series with a back injury, while co-captain Paige Hadley was rested due to a foot injury.
Housby's hot shooting from range in the first half helped give NSW a 34-30 edge at the long break.
Veteran Swifts star Verity Simmons grew increasingly frustrated with some of the Firebirds' delaying tactics in the first half, and she received a talking-to from the umpire late in the second quarter.
"I don't think we're really having the umpires on our side at the moment, it's really tough," Simmons told Fox Sports at halftime.
"It's a hard game to umpire, I understand that, but I think we all need to leave the frustrations at bay.
"It's the delaying stuff, that's the stuff we can change. It ticks the clock over, which does change the game. If it's both ways, no worries."
The second half was a captivating affair, with the Firebirds hitting back late to send it to extra time, only for the Swifts to come up trumps after that.
The NSW Swifts will enter the Super Netball finals on a winning note after overcoming the Queensland Firebirds 79-75 in an extra-time thriller at Nissan Arena.
After losing four of their past five games the second-placed Swifts entered Sunday's match in desperate need of a confidence-boosting win.
NSW looked to have the win in the bag after opening a six-goal lead with less than five minutes remaining.
But a Super Shot bonanza by the Firebirds sent the game into extra time.
Scores were level at 75-apiece early in the second period of extra time, but a series of mistakes from the Firebirds allowed the Swifts to score the final four goals of the match.
NSW goal attack Helen Housby nailed six-of-eight super shots in a hot shooting display, while Grace Nweke finished with 59 goals from 66 attempts.
For the Firebirds, Mary Cholhok nailed 47-of-53, as well as a super shot, while Emily Moore was six of 10 from super shot range.
NSW (10-4) will travel to Perth next week to take on the ladder-leading Fever in the major semi-final.
The winner secures a direct berth into the August 2 grand final in Melbourne, while the loser goes to the preliminary final.
Season 2025 will be one to forget for the Firebirds, who won their first two games before losing the remaining 12 to take the wooden spoon.
The Swifts announced before Sunday's match that Teigan O'Shannassy had been officially ruled out of the finals series with a back injury, while co-captain Paige Hadley was rested due to a foot injury.
Housby's hot shooting from range in the first half helped give NSW a 34-30 edge at the long break.
Veteran Swifts star Verity Simmons grew increasingly frustrated with some of the Firebirds' delaying tactics in the first half, and she received a talking-to from the umpire late in the second quarter.
"I don't think we're really having the umpires on our side at the moment, it's really tough," Simmons told Fox Sports at halftime.
"It's a hard game to umpire, I understand that, but I think we all need to leave the frustrations at bay.
"It's the delaying stuff, that's the stuff we can change. It ticks the clock over, which does change the game. If it's both ways, no worries."
The second half was a captivating affair, with the Firebirds hitting back late to send it to extra time, only for the Swifts to come up trumps after that.
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ABC News
2 hours ago
- ABC News
BTN Newsbreak 4/07/2025
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The Advertiser
2 hours ago
- The Advertiser
State's best hill climbers head to Ringwood Park for shot at Aussie titles
Some of Australia's best hill climbers will be heading to Ringwood Park Motorsport Complex on August 9 for the final round of the NSW Hillclimb Championships and spots at the upcoming Australian titles. A quality field is expected for the event at Ringwood Park, on Italia Road, Balickera, 12km north of Raymond Terrace, including former Australian champion Dean Tighe, from Queensland, who will arrive back in Australia with four days to spare after racing in the UK. Tighe, who is on track to reclaim the NSW and Australian titles this season, holds the fastest lap record at the Ringwood Park track which is rated by many as Australia's most challenging track. Other drivers who will be pushing for class and overall honours at the final round include Kempsey's Dave Morrow who has shown a liking for the Ringwood Park track with podium finishes there on previous visits. Morrow is coming off a victory in the Formula Libre 750-1300cc class at round six at Tamworth. Heddon Greta's Tim Blake in his Subaru Impreza WRX and Peter Akers (Subaru Impreza,) finished first and second respectively in the Sedan type cars at the 2025 Queensland Hillclimb Championship. Round seven of the NSW Championships at Ringwood Park, follows the first two rounds at Bahurst, round three at Wollongong, round four at Kempsey, round five at Grafton and round six at Tamworth. The opening two rounds of the NSW Hillclimb Championships on Mt Panorama on March 5-6 were downgraded to Multi Club events due to the floods along the eastern seaboard. However, Tighe managed to get there and set the fastest times on both days of the Bathurst Light Car Club run event. He followed that up with wins at Huntley at Wollongong, Grafton and Kempsey. This weekend's event is hosted by MG Car Club Newcastle, and will finalise overall victory and category wins and subsequent spots at the Australian Hillclimb Championship which will be held at The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia. Racing driver and instructor Cody McKay, who used the Ringwood Park track to train drivers said it was one of the most challenging and rewarding tracks in Australia. McKay, who has had wins and podiums at the Bathurst 6 Hour and also the Aussie Racing Car Championship, said Ringwood Park hosted the Australian Championship in 2023. While he will not be competing, he said this is an event for all motorsports fans and it will provide plenty of exciting highlights. "This would have to be Australia's most challenging track. If you can get this track right, you're right to go to Bathurst, and you're right to go to the street circuits. "We really teach our students to do well here if they can nail it they have success on all sorts of other tracks. "The intricacies and the technicalities of what's needed to learn how to race here really translates onto the bigger tracks. "This is really technical. You've got to learn your brakes, your steering. There also a lot of undulations, and it's pretty high speed as well. So if something goes wrong, it can really go wrong "The spectators love it as well. "Some of the talented drivers can pretty much do the whole course sideways. "This is a driver's track. It's a real driver's experience. There of all theses ups and downs at the top, and you're going well over 100 kilometres an hour on some sections. So you've really got to be a talented driver Practice is on Saturday, racing on Sunday from 9am with Food and Drinks will be available from the canteen. Racing begins at 9am. Some of Australia's best hill climbers will be heading to Ringwood Park Motorsport Complex on August 9 for the final round of the NSW Hillclimb Championships and spots at the upcoming Australian titles. A quality field is expected for the event at Ringwood Park, on Italia Road, Balickera, 12km north of Raymond Terrace, including former Australian champion Dean Tighe, from Queensland, who will arrive back in Australia with four days to spare after racing in the UK. Tighe, who is on track to reclaim the NSW and Australian titles this season, holds the fastest lap record at the Ringwood Park track which is rated by many as Australia's most challenging track. Other drivers who will be pushing for class and overall honours at the final round include Kempsey's Dave Morrow who has shown a liking for the Ringwood Park track with podium finishes there on previous visits. Morrow is coming off a victory in the Formula Libre 750-1300cc class at round six at Tamworth. Heddon Greta's Tim Blake in his Subaru Impreza WRX and Peter Akers (Subaru Impreza,) finished first and second respectively in the Sedan type cars at the 2025 Queensland Hillclimb Championship. Round seven of the NSW Championships at Ringwood Park, follows the first two rounds at Bahurst, round three at Wollongong, round four at Kempsey, round five at Grafton and round six at Tamworth. The opening two rounds of the NSW Hillclimb Championships on Mt Panorama on March 5-6 were downgraded to Multi Club events due to the floods along the eastern seaboard. However, Tighe managed to get there and set the fastest times on both days of the Bathurst Light Car Club run event. He followed that up with wins at Huntley at Wollongong, Grafton and Kempsey. This weekend's event is hosted by MG Car Club Newcastle, and will finalise overall victory and category wins and subsequent spots at the Australian Hillclimb Championship which will be held at The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia. Racing driver and instructor Cody McKay, who used the Ringwood Park track to train drivers said it was one of the most challenging and rewarding tracks in Australia. McKay, who has had wins and podiums at the Bathurst 6 Hour and also the Aussie Racing Car Championship, said Ringwood Park hosted the Australian Championship in 2023. While he will not be competing, he said this is an event for all motorsports fans and it will provide plenty of exciting highlights. "This would have to be Australia's most challenging track. If you can get this track right, you're right to go to Bathurst, and you're right to go to the street circuits. "We really teach our students to do well here if they can nail it they have success on all sorts of other tracks. "The intricacies and the technicalities of what's needed to learn how to race here really translates onto the bigger tracks. "This is really technical. You've got to learn your brakes, your steering. There also a lot of undulations, and it's pretty high speed as well. So if something goes wrong, it can really go wrong "The spectators love it as well. "Some of the talented drivers can pretty much do the whole course sideways. "This is a driver's track. It's a real driver's experience. There of all theses ups and downs at the top, and you're going well over 100 kilometres an hour on some sections. So you've really got to be a talented driver Practice is on Saturday, racing on Sunday from 9am with Food and Drinks will be available from the canteen. Racing begins at 9am. Some of Australia's best hill climbers will be heading to Ringwood Park Motorsport Complex on August 9 for the final round of the NSW Hillclimb Championships and spots at the upcoming Australian titles. A quality field is expected for the event at Ringwood Park, on Italia Road, Balickera, 12km north of Raymond Terrace, including former Australian champion Dean Tighe, from Queensland, who will arrive back in Australia with four days to spare after racing in the UK. Tighe, who is on track to reclaim the NSW and Australian titles this season, holds the fastest lap record at the Ringwood Park track which is rated by many as Australia's most challenging track. Other drivers who will be pushing for class and overall honours at the final round include Kempsey's Dave Morrow who has shown a liking for the Ringwood Park track with podium finishes there on previous visits. Morrow is coming off a victory in the Formula Libre 750-1300cc class at round six at Tamworth. Heddon Greta's Tim Blake in his Subaru Impreza WRX and Peter Akers (Subaru Impreza,) finished first and second respectively in the Sedan type cars at the 2025 Queensland Hillclimb Championship. Round seven of the NSW Championships at Ringwood Park, follows the first two rounds at Bahurst, round three at Wollongong, round four at Kempsey, round five at Grafton and round six at Tamworth. The opening two rounds of the NSW Hillclimb Championships on Mt Panorama on March 5-6 were downgraded to Multi Club events due to the floods along the eastern seaboard. However, Tighe managed to get there and set the fastest times on both days of the Bathurst Light Car Club run event. He followed that up with wins at Huntley at Wollongong, Grafton and Kempsey. This weekend's event is hosted by MG Car Club Newcastle, and will finalise overall victory and category wins and subsequent spots at the Australian Hillclimb Championship which will be held at The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia. Racing driver and instructor Cody McKay, who used the Ringwood Park track to train drivers said it was one of the most challenging and rewarding tracks in Australia. McKay, who has had wins and podiums at the Bathurst 6 Hour and also the Aussie Racing Car Championship, said Ringwood Park hosted the Australian Championship in 2023. While he will not be competing, he said this is an event for all motorsports fans and it will provide plenty of exciting highlights. "This would have to be Australia's most challenging track. If you can get this track right, you're right to go to Bathurst, and you're right to go to the street circuits. "We really teach our students to do well here if they can nail it they have success on all sorts of other tracks. "The intricacies and the technicalities of what's needed to learn how to race here really translates onto the bigger tracks. "This is really technical. You've got to learn your brakes, your steering. There also a lot of undulations, and it's pretty high speed as well. So if something goes wrong, it can really go wrong "The spectators love it as well. "Some of the talented drivers can pretty much do the whole course sideways. "This is a driver's track. It's a real driver's experience. There of all theses ups and downs at the top, and you're going well over 100 kilometres an hour on some sections. So you've really got to be a talented driver Practice is on Saturday, racing on Sunday from 9am with Food and Drinks will be available from the canteen. Racing begins at 9am.
West Australian
5 hours ago
- West Australian
GEORGIE PARKER: Melbourne Vixens' grand final win over West Coast Fever a terrific showcase event
'Can you get me tickets for the grand final?', is usually only a message I receive in the last weekend in September for the AFL. But, this year I was receiving them for a different sport, netball. It feels as though Super Netball is only getting better and has more interest year after year, and this year's grand final was no different. I couldn't get any, of course, because it was sold out. So, in front of a loud, sellout crowd of 15,013, the Melbourne Vixens pulled off a fairy tale one goal win over the West Coast Fever on Saturday night. A result that not only crowned a new champion, but in a match that, in my opinion, cemented Super Netball as the premier women's sporting league in Australia. The game had everything. The underdog Vixens, written off by many earlier in the season, clinched a win against a Fever side that had won 13 games straight. It marked the end of an era for Vixens coach Simone McKinnis, who bowed out after 13 years at the helm. And it showcased netball at its best – fast, skilful, insanely athletic, dramatic, and most of all, elite. But beyond the final, you can't help but remember just how far Super Netball has come, and how it's had to do it the hard way. My cousin played for the Thunderbirds in the early 2000s, so watching the differences in the league now compared to then, by how they train (no more after work training sessions) and how professional they are obviously backed by a real income, is huge. Unlike the AFLW, NRLW, or WBBL, all excellent leagues in their own right, and ones I support and love, Super Netball has built its empire without the safety net of a men's competition propping it up. While the others benefited from being extensions of established men's brands, they can expand, take risks, and grow with big financial losses in the hope it will pay dividends. Meanwhile, netball has done the hard yards solo. That's not a criticism of those leagues, far from it (with the female athletic talent in the country I believe they just jumped on too late), but when women's footy and cricket arrived, netball found itself fighting a battle on a few fronts. Firstly, it was losing not just some of its best junior athletes to rival sports but senior, established players who jumped codes. I played with former Australian netball captain, Sharni Norder (nee Layton) at Collingwood in the AFLW for example. Netball also saw corporate sponsorship dollars flow to women's arms of already well funded men's codes and female players, relatively new in the sporting world, rather than their league and their established players. How many netballers do you see on insurance, car or phone network ads? It's a scenario that could have buried the game, like it has with many other sports. Instead, Super Netball doubled down and knew it had a product worth fighting for. It developed world class pathways and a league that invited the best in the world to compete. It built a compelling product, that serviced its very loyal fans, but at the same time made it a game anyone would want to watch. It did this without being tied to a men's league, which meant it had to work harder, market smarter, and demand more from every part of the sport. Two years ago, players took a stand in a heated pay dispute with Netball Australia. At the time, some questioned the timing and ethics. Now, after a season like this, the fight from the players feels justified. The athletes knew their worth, and they've proved it every week since. This final was everything elite women's sport should be. It was fiercely contested, beautifully played, and impossible to look away from. It also caught the attention of Hollywood legend Whoopi Goldberg, a surprise entrant into the netball conversation, who announced this year she's backing the league and plans to bring it to a broader audience through her major network AWSN (All Women Sport Network). I can imagine her and her team would have watched the grand final and thought it had been money well spent. The Vixens' dramatic finish to the season has been the best possible advertisement for netball. Super Netball didn't just survive the storm of competing codes, it weathered it, evolved, and emerged stronger. Now it's not just competing, it's leading and is easily the best in the country. So while it does have a three decade head start on women playing footy and cricket at the same level, it's given us an idea on what standard we can expect with time, and doesn't it look great?
