Kiera Austin’s tremendous shot masterclass guided the Melbourne Vixens to the highest of the Tremendous Netball ladder with medical 19-goal win within the second version of the Melbourne Match-Up towards the Melbourne Mavericks at a sold-out John Cain Area.
The Vixens gained the brand new rivals’ first assembly by six objectives however this time round it was extra a demolition, pulling away after scores had been degree early and outscoring their opponents 40-28 within the second-half to file an emphatic 77-58 win.
A late harm to star goalkeeper Rudi Ellis, who was helped from the courtroom with ankle situation within the last minutes of the conflict was the one low mild because the Vixens assumed bragging rights in Melbourne.
Austin shot an ideal seven of seven makes an attempt on the two-point shot in the course of the energy 5 to be the best rated participant on the courtroom and put the Vixens a sport away from the West Coast Fever in first.
One in all six Vixens named within the Diamonds squad in the course of the week, she was equally lethal in common time and led the match for aim assists with 21 earlier than heading to the bench in the course of the last quarter to permit 18-year-old Lily Graham – who nailed a brilliant shot of her personal – some courtroom time.
“It’s a option to go on the market each week and actually put your foot down and work arduous, and drive on to the ball,” Austin mentioned.
“I used to be a bit gradual to start out as I used to be discovering my ft a bit after which I actually needed to place the foot down.”
The defensive aspect of Austin’s sport was additionally a standout as she chalked up 4 deflections and an intercept which she was most happy with post-game.
“I feel I get extra satisfaction from an intercept than a brilliant shot,” she mentioned with fun. “My sister’s a defender so possibly that’s the place I get it from.”
Ellis resembles namesake
Vixens followers could possibly be forgiven for considering Liz Ellis in her prime had donned a navy costume and lined up on Shimona Jok at occasions within the first half.
Earlier than she limped off, Rudi Ellis, who was the one member of the Vixens beginning seven to not be named within the Diamonds squad in the course of the week confirmed greater honours could also be in her future as she swung the sport in her group’s favour within the second time period.
The previous West Coast Fever and Queensland Firebirds defender modified tact after quarter time to take entrance place towards Mavericks shooter Jok and it paid rapid dividends with two intercepts inspiring the Vixens to a five-goal half time lead.
Mavericks’ depth backfires
The Mavericks’ desperation to realize a primary win towards the older sibling led to some overzealous defending.
Throughout the half time break, Mavericks defenders Kim Jenner, Olivia Lewis and Kristiana Manu’a sought clarification from the umpires relating to their physique work as they gave away 27 penalties between them within the first half.
The quantity swelled to 46 at full time and as a group the Mavericks conceded 82 penalties – eight greater than their opponents.
“This season it’s been fascinating to see what’s known as and what’s not,” Mavericks captain Amy Parmenter mentioned.
“Generally I query ‘what’s a contact?’ as a result of generally you get away with this and generally you get away with that.
“It’s about adjusting in sport to what the umpires are calling.”
Mavericks’ braveness
Vixens coach Simone McKinnis expressed her admiration pre-match for the Mavericks’ coronary heart and starvation which was symbolised by wing assault Maisie Nankivell.
Nankivell broke her nostril in final week’s win towards the Swifts however wouldn’t sit out the prospect to tackle the Mavericks’ largest rivals as an alternative sporting strapping round her head to maintain her nostril supported.
The harm ward mounted up when captain Amy Parmenter appeared to dislocate the pinky finger on her proper when looking a unfastened ball early within the second quarter.
