Marian in form for run home

MARIAN Vixens are daring to dream of a place in the Townsville City Netball Premier League finals after overcoming Phoenix 49- 41 on Monday.

Phoenix had the better of a hardfought first quarter as both teams blew off the cobwebs after two weeks off, but Marian dug deep with an impressive team performance to claim the win.

“We had a few little rusty spots, but we came through in the end,” Marian coach Sue Warmington said.

“We had a couple of girls that were out so we called on some reserve players to come up and fill in some spots and they performed outstandingly.

“It was just a great belief in each other and the way that they all worked together. I was really excited with the whole team’s effort.”

Marian are still one win behind Phoenix on the ladder, but they’re starting to build some momentum with back- to- back wins over their top- four rivals after edging out Burdekin 45- 43 in the last round.

Warmington said they had done the maths on what it will take to make the finals, but the coach insisted Marian’s biggest focus was just to keep playing well as a team.

“It may depend on a few games coming up so we’re not worrying too much about that ( making finals),” Warmington said. “That’s certainly motivation, but we just know that we have to put in some good performances and win some games to continue and hopefully make the finals.

“They’re playing really well … so we’re certainly looking to bigger and better things.”

Meanwhile, Saints have cemented their place at the top of the ladder with a 48- 33 win over Burdekin while Highlanders beat Runaways 51- 42. Neptunes had the bye.