Vixens win a thriller

The Vixens lasted the distance to win 53-52 in a pulsating trans-Tasman netball clash against New South Wales at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre on Monday evening.

The Swifts recovered from a sluggish start and looked in control during the second half but the Melbourne side dug deep for a thrilling victory.

Extra time almost beckoned for the exhausted sides but a late shot from the home side bounced off the rim to leave the margin at one.

Captain Sharelle McMahon was influential all over the court for the visitors and had the poise to nail all 12 of her shots at goal.

She told Fox Sports after the game that even after holding a seven-goal lead after a storming start, she was always wary of the Swifts side.

“We weren’t surprised because the Swifts are a fantatic team,” she said.

“One of the things we’ve been trying to work on is a consistent four quarters and we couldn’t do that tonight again, but a one-goal win under those pressure circumstances is a great result.”

“The pressure situation always makes it tougher and the adrenalin was rushing.”

The Vixens must be disappointed with their own inconsistency, and if they had played with their mid-game form throughout a home win would have theirs for the taking.