Vixens in hunt after upset win

MELBOURNE have toppled the Giants 59-51 to move within a point of the Super Netball competition leaders.

The Vixens’ eight-goal win at Hisense Arena last night also ended the Giants’ streak of five games.

Melbourne shooter Mwai Kumwenda top-scored in the round six clash with 35 from 38 at 92 per cent accuracy while Tegan Philip chimed in with plenty of long bombs in her 24goal haul.

The Vixens held a slim lead from start to finish, forcing Giants coach Julie Fitzgerald to take a gamble in the last quarter with a starting line-up that was missing midcourt admiral Kim Green, who ruptured her ACL last week. Replacement shooter Kristina Brice (5/6) failed to make the impact she wanted with Vixen Emily Mannix too strong at keeper.

Philip found her mid-range radar early to give the Vixens several timely boosts with long bombs. She shot nine goals in the first quarter as the sides took turns in three-goal surges.

Vixens went to the break with a 15-11 advantage and pushed out to a five-goal lead soon after but midway through the second half the Giants showed why they’re atop the table.

They neatly chipped away at the deficit, taking the lead with six minutes remaining in the half.

Yet the Vixens showed strong resolve after a home team time-out and refused to allow the Giants to continue the run.

The Vixens led 27-25 at halftime but the third period see-sawed until the home team pulled away to go up 42-38 at the last change.

For the Giants, new oncourt captain Jo Harten led by example and her signature turn-and-shoot style produced 30 from 37 at 81 per cent accuracy.