EXCITING NETBALL FINALS
THE Sunshine Coast will host the inaugural Suncorp Super Netball grand final after a thrilling 56-55 major semifinal victory over the Melbourne Vixens at Margaret Court Arena yesterday.
The Lightning will be the “home’’ side for the June 17 decider at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre at Boondall after bravely fighting back from a five-goal deficit in the third term.
The Melbourne Storm-backed Lightning is in its first season but earned a place in netball’s showpiece after showing grit, guts and plenty of poise to finish over the top of the home side.
The Vixens led by three goals early in the fourth quarter but wing defence Laura Langman forced a turnover that swung the match in favour of the Lightning, who showed nerves of steel in the dying minutes.
Caitlin Bassett finished with 44 goals for the Lightning while Steph Wood added 12 goals for the Sunshine Coast, who will have next weekend off with the Vixens to play the winner of the GWS-Collingwood elimination final in the preliminary final this Saturday.
“We know Vixens are a class act and we just had to grind it out today and that’s what we did. I’m so proud of this club,’’ Lightning captain Geva Mentor said.
“To have it (the grand final) in our home state is great.’’
Melbourne put the foot down at the start of the third quarter and jumped out to a five-goal buffer in the blink of an eye.
Mentor grabbed a critical rebound midway through the term to halt to the Vixens juggernaut and drag her side back into the contest.
The Sunshine Coast drew to within one goal despite a shock case of the momentary yips from Bassett, who missed three shots in quick succession after being perfect for the first two and a half quarters.
Melbourne steadied and held a slender two-goal advantage at the last change.
The Vixens led 26-25 after a ferocious and physical first half that featured high-intensity defence from both sides.