Swifts gain revenge

The Sydney Swifts gained revenge for last year’s grand final loss, when they defeated the Melbourne Phoenix 53-40 in game two of the double header at Vodafone Arena this afternoon.

The first half featured aggressive netball by both sides and they matched each other score for score until the final minutes of the second quarter, where the Swifts scored too quick goals to put them ahead at the main break 23-20.

Second half was a different story, as the Swifts midcourt ran rings around the Phoenix defence in something reminiscent of the 2004 season when they won the premiership.

For the Swifts, Susan Pratley continued her stellar form this season shooting 33 goals from 28 attempts at 85% and Cath Cox (25/35 at 71%) continues to impress following her return to the line up following a jaw operation.

Sharelle McMahon (19/26 at 73%) and Cynna Kydd (21/34 at 62%) both combined well, but the Swifts back half ensured they both had below par afternoons inside the circle.

Best on court for the Swifts were defender Mo’onia Gerrard and Pratley, who both are almost certainties to represent Australia in the upcoming two test series against the New Zealand in July.

Midcourter Sarah Wall was best on court for the Phoenix and received a $1000 cheque after the match for her performance.

Swifts coach, Julie Fitzgerald is impressed with her team’s start to season 2006 of the CBT competition.

“I’m delighted for us (with the start to the season), Liz Ellis and Mo’onia (Gerrard) the effort they both put in her recovery to getting back on court.”

“We are improving with every game we play and we are working on putting in a consistent effort for the entire year.”

Phoenix coach, Julie Hoornweg was disappointed with the result but believes they can play better netball in the coming weeks.

“No, certainly not it wasn’t what I wanted to happen,” she said when asked about the result.

“Last week our defence was pretty weak, and we worked hard on that this week (at training). We put lots of pressure on them, but something else fell apart.”

“We’ll need to go back to the drawing board and fix our attack up.”

Next up for the Swifts is a trip to Canberra to take on the Darters, while the Phoenix travel to Challenge Stadium to face off against the much improved Perth Orioles with both games to be played on Friday night.

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