Phoenix win in Geelong
The Melbourne Phoenix defeated the Queensland Firebirds 66-42 at the Geelong Arena on Sunday afternoon.
Coming into the match, both sides were coming off a good first half of the season with the Phoenix having
recorded consecutive victories in recent weeks and the Firebirds no longer the competition cellar dwellers
under the tutelage of Vicki Wilson.
The first half featured some attacking netball from the Firebirds, as the Phoenix were slow to start in the
first quarter but the Phoenix back half led by Bianca Chatfield saw them leading at the main break 31-24.
Second half was where the Phoenix lifted their level of intensity to outgun the Firebirds and run rings
around their defence.
Sharelle McMahon continued her excellent form, shooting 32 goals from 40 attempts at 80% accuracy and again
combined well with Cynna Kydd (34/46 at 74%).
The Phoenix midcourt trio of Natasha Chokljat, Ingrid Dick and Wendy Jacobsen played their best game for
the season as they showed why they were considered by many to be considered the best combination in
Commonwealth Bank Trophy competition last season.
For the Firebirds, Carla Dziwoki (9/10 at 90%) was impressive in limited court time, Joanne Morgan (16/20
at 80%) and Belinda Dever (17/24 at 71%) were the other two goalers used by coach Wilson.
Best on court for the Phoenix was the trio of Chokljat, Dick and Jacobsen who showed much improvement after
a slow start to the season with regards to gelling together effectively as a combination.
Lauren Nourse was best for the Firebirds with her relentless work in the midcourt for her attempts at
driving the ball inside the circle to the forwards, but her efforts were almost unnoticed as the Phoenix
dominated all over the court.
Next for the Phoenix is a trip to Newcastle to face off against the Hunter Jaegers at Newcastle
Entertainment Centre and the Firebirds are at home to the Sydney Swifts at Chandler Arena with both games to
be played Friday night.
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