The Melbourne Vixens have suffered their first loss of the season, going down to the NSW Swifts by 10 goals, 50-60, in the blockbuster Sargeant McKinnis Cup.
While the game started off close in the first quarter, with only three goals separating the two teams, the Swifts were quick to extend the lead and take home all four bonus points.
Coach Simone McKinnis OAM was disappointed with the result following a successful week of preparations.
“I think in the attack end we couldn’t find the right click and flow,” said McKinnis.
“It was quite disappointing. I think even though you always want to be getting more ball, we’d get a couple in a row, then there was something silly that let them off the hook again,” said McKinnis.
“I think when the opportunities came, to put a bit of pressure on with scoring, we sort of let it go a little bit and found it hard to get that combination and flow.”
It was a tough game for defenders Emily Mannix and Jo Weston who were up against the dynamic duo of Sam Wallace and Helen Housby, who were strong across all four quarters. While our usual attack links struggled to find space, it was costly mistakes and pressured plays that allowed the Swifts to run away with the win.
Leading into the game, McKinnis admits the girls had trained well throughout the week.
“They had a really good week, probably one of our better training weeks, and certainly after our Captain’s Run yesterday, I thought they were well prepared and looking good.
“But, you know what, I acknowledge that we are playing against a team who are playing very good netball and we didn’t match that today.”
“The Swifts were very good, and there were a couple of times in the quarter where we had the opportunity to put them under pressure and they stood strong and composed.”
“We were quite stationary and stagnant in attack, and sitting wide, which has been something we’ve been working on. So, it was about getting the ball and driving, instead of giving the ball and spectating. At that tough time, it’s about being disciplined.”
While the result wasn’t what they’d hoped for, the game saw South African goaler, Ine-Mari Venter debut for the Vixens. Holding her ground, Venter shot at 100% and played impressively in the final moments of the heated match.
Thank you to the SELLOUT crowd for cheering on the Vixens, and to all our valued members for creating such a terrific atmosphere.
While nine points clear inside the top four, the Vixens will head back on the road to the Sunshine Coast on Saturday to take on the Lightning at 3pm, looking to get another win on the board.
