Vixens pull off another stunning comeback

Monday, 18 June 2012

The Melbourne Vixens clinched another thrilling come-from-behind victory, defeating the West Coast Fever 50-49 in their trans-Tasman netball match at Hisense Arena on Sunday.

After brilliant shooting from Fever duo Caitlin Bassett and Catherine Cox, West Coast was in control with a five-goal lead at half-time.

The Vixens shooters had been unable to create space and Hoornweg changed combinations, using Kate Beveridge, Tegan Caldwell, Karyn Howarth and Ashlee Howard at different stages.

Howarth came on at the start of the second quarter and impressed with nine goals from 11 opportunities. During the third quarter she took the Vixens to the lead with a burst of six goals in five minutes.

It looked as if the Vixens had broken the Fever's spirit when their lead stretched to five goals early in the final term but Bassett, who finished with 33 goals, had other ideas and the Fever scored eight consecutive goals to grab ascendancy.

With the scores tied at 49-49 and just a minute left the Fever was in control of the centre pass but an errant throw from the midcourt was intercepted by Chatfield who pushed her team deep into attack.

With just 28 seconds left Howarth scored the winning goal to maintain the Vixens remarkable record.

It was the third time this season the Vixens have won by a single goal on their home court and the fourth time this season they have trailed at half-time and recovered to win.