Swifts defeat Phoenix to remain undefeated

The Sydney swifts defeated the previous undefeated Melbourne Phoenix 65-54 at the Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre on Friday night.

The Swifts, who now sit on top of the Commonwealth Bank Trophy table as the only un defeated side in the competition were able to overcome a side which features some of the best up and coming talent in Australian netball including defender Johannah Curran.

First half saw the Swifts able to establish a lead early that saw them on top of the Phoenix 36-28 at half time.

Second half was more of the same, with the Swifts still outgunning the Phoenix in every department despite the best efforts of Bianca Chatfield, Curran and the mid court combination of Ingrid Dick/Natasha Choklijat. Each player did their best at every opportunity to prevent the powerful Swifts forward pack of Australian representatives Cath Cox and Megan Anderson, but this was to no avail.

Anderson had an outstanding night up forward, shooting at an almost perfect 97% missing only one goal on her way to 30 goals and Cox shot 35 goals from 42 attempts 83& accuracy. Both players continued to prove why they are one of, it not the most lethal.

Sharelle McMahon 29 goals from 34 attempts at 83% and Eloise Southby-Halbish 25 goals from 30 both shot at 83% but it wasn’t enough for the Phoenix to have some chance of victory. Both girls have been selected in the squad of 12 for the upcoming test match against New Zealand and if Southby-Halbish can overcome her case of the flu, she might be a chance to start should Norma Plummer see fit come next Wednesday night.

Alison Broadbent, Liz Ellis and Mo’onia Gerrard all put in good games in defence to see the Swifts remain undefeated. Australia captain Ellis, silenced the critics by playing a pivotal role at goalkeeper.

Next week sees the Swifts travel to Melbourne to take on the Melbourne Kestrels as part of a double header on Saturday night. The Phoenix are also part of the double header taking on the Hunter Jaegers in the earlier of the two games at Vodafone Arena.

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