Latest news with #HelenHousby
The Advertiser
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Swift action paves way for stunning super comeback win
The NSW Swifts have posted their eighth consecutive victory after storming from 10 goals down to beat the Adelaide Thunderbirds 66-64 at a heaving Ken Rosewall Arena. The Swifts' unbeaten start to the Super Netball season looked certain to end after they fell behind 48-38 with just four minutes remaining in the third quarter of Saturday night's clash. A series of clutch super shots from Helen Housby helped close the margin to just three goals entering the final quarter, and the lead changed hands several times in a thrilling finale. There were a number of defining moments in the dying minutes. Housby's super shot with just over three minutes remaining gave the Swifts a two-goal buffer. Swifts goalkeeper Sarah Klau (four gains, three intercepts) snared a vital intercept a short time later, and the home side secured the win by passing the ball around for the final 60 seconds to deny Adelaide the chance to level the scores. Housby finished with 6-of-9 from super shot range, while Grace Nweke nailed 50 goals from 52 attempts. Thunderbirds goal shooter Romelda Aiken-George converted 43 goals from 48 attempts. The result ensured the Swifts (8-0) will finish the round either two or three wins clear on top of the ladder, while two-time defending premiers Adelaide slipped to a 4-4 record. "I think it's pure relief we got the job done," Swifts coach Briony Akle told Fox Sports after the win. "Coming out of halftime, I was a little bit worried coming off that 19-9 quarter. It wasn't good enough by us. "But I'm so proud of them for that fightback in the second half." Adelaide captain Hannah Petty praised her team's effort, despite not getting the win. "It's disappointing not to get the win tonight, but it's given us a lot of belief we can do it," Petty said. The Swifts took a 19-17 lead into quarter-time, but it was all the Thunderbirds in the second term as they stamped their authority on the match. Adelaide outscored the Swifts 19-9 for the term, marking the first quarter this season that NSW have been kept to single digits. Aiken-George scored her 9000th national league goal late in the first half, coming just a week after West Coast Fever goal shooter Jhaniele Fever-Nembhard became the first player to achieve the feat. The momentum changed dramatically in the dying minutes of the third quarter courtesy of Housby's hot hand, and NSW came up with clutch plays when it mattered most in a see-sawing final term. The NSW Swifts have posted their eighth consecutive victory after storming from 10 goals down to beat the Adelaide Thunderbirds 66-64 at a heaving Ken Rosewall Arena. The Swifts' unbeaten start to the Super Netball season looked certain to end after they fell behind 48-38 with just four minutes remaining in the third quarter of Saturday night's clash. A series of clutch super shots from Helen Housby helped close the margin to just three goals entering the final quarter, and the lead changed hands several times in a thrilling finale. There were a number of defining moments in the dying minutes. Housby's super shot with just over three minutes remaining gave the Swifts a two-goal buffer. Swifts goalkeeper Sarah Klau (four gains, three intercepts) snared a vital intercept a short time later, and the home side secured the win by passing the ball around for the final 60 seconds to deny Adelaide the chance to level the scores. Housby finished with 6-of-9 from super shot range, while Grace Nweke nailed 50 goals from 52 attempts. Thunderbirds goal shooter Romelda Aiken-George converted 43 goals from 48 attempts. The result ensured the Swifts (8-0) will finish the round either two or three wins clear on top of the ladder, while two-time defending premiers Adelaide slipped to a 4-4 record. "I think it's pure relief we got the job done," Swifts coach Briony Akle told Fox Sports after the win. "Coming out of halftime, I was a little bit worried coming off that 19-9 quarter. It wasn't good enough by us. "But I'm so proud of them for that fightback in the second half." Adelaide captain Hannah Petty praised her team's effort, despite not getting the win. "It's disappointing not to get the win tonight, but it's given us a lot of belief we can do it," Petty said. The Swifts took a 19-17 lead into quarter-time, but it was all the Thunderbirds in the second term as they stamped their authority on the match. Adelaide outscored the Swifts 19-9 for the term, marking the first quarter this season that NSW have been kept to single digits. Aiken-George scored her 9000th national league goal late in the first half, coming just a week after West Coast Fever goal shooter Jhaniele Fever-Nembhard became the first player to achieve the feat. The momentum changed dramatically in the dying minutes of the third quarter courtesy of Housby's hot hand, and NSW came up with clutch plays when it mattered most in a see-sawing final term. The NSW Swifts have posted their eighth consecutive victory after storming from 10 goals down to beat the Adelaide Thunderbirds 66-64 at a heaving Ken Rosewall Arena. The Swifts' unbeaten start to the Super Netball season looked certain to end after they fell behind 48-38 with just four minutes remaining in the third quarter of Saturday night's clash. A series of clutch super shots from Helen Housby helped close the margin to just three goals entering the final quarter, and the lead changed hands several times in a thrilling finale. There were a number of defining moments in the dying minutes. Housby's super shot with just over three minutes remaining gave the Swifts a two-goal buffer. Swifts goalkeeper Sarah Klau (four gains, three intercepts) snared a vital intercept a short time later, and the home side secured the win by passing the ball around for the final 60 seconds to deny Adelaide the chance to level the scores. Housby finished with 6-of-9 from super shot range, while Grace Nweke nailed 50 goals from 52 attempts. Thunderbirds goal shooter Romelda Aiken-George converted 43 goals from 48 attempts. The result ensured the Swifts (8-0) will finish the round either two or three wins clear on top of the ladder, while two-time defending premiers Adelaide slipped to a 4-4 record. "I think it's pure relief we got the job done," Swifts coach Briony Akle told Fox Sports after the win. "Coming out of halftime, I was a little bit worried coming off that 19-9 quarter. It wasn't good enough by us. "But I'm so proud of them for that fightback in the second half." Adelaide captain Hannah Petty praised her team's effort, despite not getting the win. "It's disappointing not to get the win tonight, but it's given us a lot of belief we can do it," Petty said. The Swifts took a 19-17 lead into quarter-time, but it was all the Thunderbirds in the second term as they stamped their authority on the match. Adelaide outscored the Swifts 19-9 for the term, marking the first quarter this season that NSW have been kept to single digits. Aiken-George scored her 9000th national league goal late in the first half, coming just a week after West Coast Fever goal shooter Jhaniele Fever-Nembhard became the first player to achieve the feat. The momentum changed dramatically in the dying minutes of the third quarter courtesy of Housby's hot hand, and NSW came up with clutch plays when it mattered most in a see-sawing final term.
West Australian
4 days ago
- Sport
- West Australian
Swift action paves way for stunning super comeback win
The NSW Swifts have posted their eighth consecutive victory after storming from 10 goals down to beat the Adelaide Thunderbirds 66-64 at a heaving Ken Rosewall Arena. The Swifts' unbeaten start to the Super Netball season looked certain to end after they fell behind 48-38 with just four minutes remaining in the third quarter of Saturday night's clash. A series of clutch super shots from Helen Housby helped close the margin to just three goals entering the final quarter, and the lead changed hands several times in a thrilling finale. There were a number of defining moments in the dying minutes. Housby's super shot with just over three minutes remaining gave the Swifts a two-goal buffer. Swifts goalkeeper Sarah Klau (four gains, three intercepts) snared a vital intercept a short time later, and the home side secured the win by passing the ball around for the final 60 seconds to deny Adelaide the chance to level the scores. Housby finished with 6-of-9 from super shot range, while Grace Nweke nailed 50 goals from 52 attempts. Thunderbirds goal shooter Romelda Aiken-George converted 43 goals from 48 attempts. The result ensured the Swifts (8-0) will finish the round either two or three wins clear on top of the ladder, while two-time defending premiers Adelaide slipped to a 4-4 record. "I think it's pure relief we got the job done," Swifts coach Briony Akle told Fox Sports after the win. "Coming out of halftime, I was a little bit worried coming off that 19-9 quarter. It wasn't good enough by us. "But I'm so proud of them for that fightback in the second half." Adelaide captain Hannah Petty praised her team's effort, despite not getting the win. "It's disappointing not to get the win tonight, but it's given us a lot of belief we can do it," Petty said. The Swifts took a 19-17 lead into quarter-time, but it was all the Thunderbirds in the second term as they stamped their authority on the match. Adelaide outscored the Swifts 19-9 for the term, marking the first quarter this season that NSW have been kept to single digits. Aiken-George scored her 9000th national league goal late in the first half, coming just a week after West Coast Fever goal shooter Jhaniele Fever-Nembhard became the first player to achieve the feat. The momentum changed dramatically in the dying minutes of the third quarter courtesy of Housby's hot hand, and NSW came up with clutch plays when it mattered most in a see-sawing final term.
Perth Now
4 days ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
Swift action paves way for stunning super comeback win
The NSW Swifts have posted their eighth consecutive victory after storming from 10 goals down to beat the Adelaide Thunderbirds 66-64 at a heaving Ken Rosewall Arena. The Swifts' unbeaten start to the Super Netball season looked certain to end after they fell behind 48-38 with just four minutes remaining in the third quarter of Saturday night's clash. A series of clutch super shots from Helen Housby helped close the margin to just three goals entering the final quarter, and the lead changed hands several times in a thrilling finale. There were a number of defining moments in the dying minutes. Housby's super shot with just over three minutes remaining gave the Swifts a two-goal buffer. Swifts goalkeeper Sarah Klau (four gains, three intercepts) snared a vital intercept a short time later, and the home side secured the win by passing the ball around for the final 60 seconds to deny Adelaide the chance to level the scores. Housby finished with 6-of-9 from super shot range, while Grace Nweke nailed 50 goals from 52 attempts. Thunderbirds goal shooter Romelda Aiken-George converted 43 goals from 48 attempts. The result ensured the Swifts (8-0) will finish the round either two or three wins clear on top of the ladder, while two-time defending premiers Adelaide slipped to a 4-4 record. "I think it's pure relief we got the job done," Swifts coach Briony Akle told Fox Sports after the win. "Coming out of halftime, I was a little bit worried coming off that 19-9 quarter. It wasn't good enough by us. "But I'm so proud of them for that fightback in the second half." Adelaide captain Hannah Petty praised her team's effort, despite not getting the win. "It's disappointing not to get the win tonight, but it's given us a lot of belief we can do it," Petty said. The Swifts took a 19-17 lead into quarter-time, but it was all the Thunderbirds in the second term as they stamped their authority on the match. Adelaide outscored the Swifts 19-9 for the term, marking the first quarter this season that NSW have been kept to single digits. Aiken-George scored her 9000th national league goal late in the first half, coming just a week after West Coast Fever goal shooter Jhaniele Fever-Nembhard became the first player to achieve the feat. The momentum changed dramatically in the dying minutes of the third quarter courtesy of Housby's hot hand, and NSW came up with clutch plays when it mattered most in a see-sawing final term.
News.com.au
24-05-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Super Netball round 7: NSW Swifts 70 d. Sunshine Coast Lightning 62, West Coast Fever 75 d. Giants 66
The NSW Swifts have maintained their perfect Super Netball record at the halfway point of the season, claiming a 70-62 victory over Sunshine Coast Lightning to stamp their dominance as the team to beat in 2025. Led by Silver Ferns superstar shooter Grace Nweke, with 50 from 56 shooting for the night, the Swifts kicked out to an enormous 18-goal lead midway through the final term before a late surge from the home side gave the Swifts a few anxious moments. The highly anticipated battle between Nweke and Diamonds defender Courtney Bruce lived up to the hype, with Nweke consistently finding answers and showcasing her skill and composure. Her shooting partner, Helen Housby, also proved a handful for Ash Ervin, contributing significantly to the Swifts' attacking prowess with 21 assists, 12 of 13 goals and four from seven super shots. The efficiency of the Swifts attack simply made it difficult for the Lightning to force any turnovers. While Swifts head coach Briony Akle may have been concerned by the team's finish, which saw the Lightning threaten a historic comeback, the title front runners ultimately held their nerve to secure the win. Paige Hadley was sublime through the centre court and had 21 assists and 27 feeds, while youngsters Grace Whyte and Teigan O'Shannassy gained valuable court time. EARLY DOMINANCE SETS THE TONE The Swifts established an early lead, capitalising on Lightning's inaccuracies and a crucial intercept from Sharni Lambden to go up 14-9. Although the Lightning briefly closed the gap with a Super Shot from Reilley Batcheldor, Housby responded in kind, giving the Swifts a 17-13 advantage at the first break. The second quarter was a tighter affair, with both teams struggling to convert bonus possessions. However, the Swifts managed to extend their lead to six points midway through the period. A late Super Shot from Lightning's Steph Fretwell, celebrating her 150th game, and a subsequent goal from Cara Koenen reduced the deficit to five points at halftime as the visitors led 34-29. SWIFTS TOO STRONG The Swifts came out firing in the third quarter, securing three consecutive gains to extend their lead to nine. While much has been made of the arrival of Nweke, it was in transition on the back of the defensive efforts of Lambden, Sarah Klau, and Maddy Turner that really stood up in the third term to take a 13 goal lead into the final break. The Swifts extended their advantage to 18 and appeared to be in total cruise control until Fretwell and Koenen scored four unanswered Super Shots. But it was too little too late as the Swifts steadied the run and secured their seventh victory of the season, guaranteeing them at least a two win buffer at the top of the table ahead of next week's clash with reigning champion Adelaide Thunderbirds in Sydney on Saturday night. LIGHTNING WORK IN PROGRESS Touted as genuine premiership contenders, the loss proves the Lightning are still not quite the real deal despite boasting Diamonds stars like Bruce, Fretwell, Koenen and Liz Watson. Emerging star Leesa Mi Mi had a tough night opposing Diamond Hadley, but there were just far too many turnovers on the attack end with Watson and Fretwell repeat offenders. With four wins from their opening half of the season, the Lightning are firmly entrenched in the top four and can move further clear in the race for the finals at home next Saturday against the fifth-placed Mavericks. Fowler-Nembhard stamps name in record books -Jenny Sinclair Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard continues to stamp her name in the record books, as she led West Coast Fever to a tough nine point Super Netball win over Giants Netball in Sydney. In an MVP performance, the Jamaican superstar became the first player to reach 9000 national league goals, but Fever were pushed for the last three quarters in their 75 to 66 point victory. Despite the Giants' terrific fightback that saw them sit on level terms during the third quarter, they've now lost six of their last seven games, leaving them stranded at the bottom of the ladder. With increasing criticism of the team's results, captain Jo Harten made an impassioned post on Instagram midweek. Speaking pre match she explained, 'When you're not having a mega successful season on the court results wise, there is an over scrutiny potentially of players and team management. My post during the week was just a gentle reminder that we have a great sport, a great community, let's show some kindness to each other.' That criticism may only grow as Giants got out to a terrible start, shooting just one point to the Fever's seven in the early stages of the game. Co-captain Jamie-Lee Price later described her team as looking like 'stunned mullets', as Harten was benched just nine minutes into the game. Matisse Letherbarrow took her place and four supershots from her and teammate Sophie Dwyer dragged back a threatening eleven point lead to just eight by quarter time. At the opposite end of the court, another of Giants' youngsters was showing her flare, despite having a tough assignment against Fowler-Nembhard. Matched against the world's best shooter, Erin O'Brien was at her most effective when she came off the body to pick off five gains. She played a crucial role in helping the Giants lift their performance, as they made strong inroads into Fever's lead to be just four points down by half time. Giants burst out of the blocks in the third quarter to level the score, but their chances were hampered by a knee injury to Jodi-Ann Ward. Fever remained composed throughout the match, to push out the lead again. Alice Teague-Neeld's calm head and smooth feeding was particularly crucial, Sunday Aryang continued her career-best form with six gains, and Fowler-Nembhard top scored with 63 from 66. NEAR-FLAWLESS FOWLER-NEMBHARD While Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard became the first player to reach 9000 national league goals, it isn't the only record she owns. The five time league MVP has scored the highest number of points in seven of the last ten seasons, has taken part in four of the highest ever scoring games, has scored the most goals in a game, and the most goals in a final. It's truly GOAT status. CONTRACTING CONCERNS With six Giants out of contract next year, it might be time for a shake up of their roster. However, the player they'd most like to keep – Jamie-Lee Price – may ask for an early release so she can head to Melbourne for 2026, where her AFL playing partner is now based. GIANT ROOM FOR GROWTH It's the inconsistency between the Giants' best and worst that has plagued their 2025 season. They are the most prolific team in Super Netball for supershots, with the third highest accuracy at the post, and also sit inside the top four for converting gains to goals, at around 70 per cent. However, they have the second worst centre pass conversion rate at 65 per cent, have taken the least number of gains, and given away the most turnovers. All of which points to some individual brilliance, but a team that can't string sixty minutes of netball together.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Fearless era: Swifts' best start to a season since 2010
The NSW Swifts have continued their unbeaten start to the Super Netball season, making it seven wins in a row with a clinical 70-62 victory over Sunshine Coast Lightning at UniSC Arena. The ladder leaders gained separation with a strong first half on Saturday, before blowing the contest apart with a dominant 19-11 third quarter. The Swifts, who had only previously won twice from nine attempts on the Sunshine Coast and missed the finals last year, are now 7-0 and enjoying their best start to a season since 2010. She is beauty, she is GRACE 👑#WeFlyTogether — NSW Swifts (@NSWSwifts) May 24, 2025 Grace Nweke buried 50 goals from 56 attempts, while shooting partner Helen Housby had 21 assists to go with 16 goals, including four two-pointers. "Coming here, I wanted to grow my game, be more versatile, play out of the circle and change it up a bit," Nweke said. "Building on our previous wins, we want to keep consolidating and getting stronger." Nweke and Housby combined superbly in the circle from the outset, while at the other end goal defence Sharni Lambden suffocated Lightning superstar Liz Watson early. Watson had three of Sunshine Coast's seven first-quarter turnovers, with NSW taking advantage to move ahead 17-13. Watson shook off her shaky start to thrive in the second term after being released off Lambden into the centre, where she racked up several influential touches. But Housby's super-shot prowess meant the Swifts still had the upper hand, up 34-29 at halftime. Sunshine Coast captain Steph Fretwell, who had her hands full with Maddy Turner, was uncharacteristically inaccurate at goal in her 150th game as the contest got right away from the hosts in a lopsided third stanza. The Lightning struggled to contain the Swifts' Paige Hadley-led midcourt, while Nweke and Housby continued to fire on all cylinders in attack as NSW motored ahead 53-40. The margin blew out to 68-50 with less than four minutes to play, before Cara Koenen and Fretwell went on a belated 12-0 tear from long range to minimise some of the damage.
