The NSW Swifts continued to showcase their impressive credentials when delivering a masterful 78-50 win over Cold Power Magic in Sydney on Saturday.
· Record score for Swifts against Magic
· Green-Langman combination shines
· Swifts deliver big first and third quarters with 22 goals in each
The manner of the win had class written all over it, the Swifts rebounding from a quiet second quarter to power away to a record score against the Magic, surpassing the 65 goals they scored in the Grand Final in 2008.
Well in contention after a competitive second quarter, Magic had no answer for the Swifts second half response, the home team tightening their grip with a free-flowing and dominant closing 30 minutes. Playing at another level, the Swifts got away to a flying start to the second half, closing out the quarter with a dominant 59-40 lead.
There were no changes to the Swifts internationally-stacked starting line-up from last week but the Magic had big gaps to fill before they had even left home after experienced Silver Ferns duo Leana de Bruin and Grace Rasmussen were ruled out through injury.
It did not take the Swifts long to slip back into the impressive groove they displayed in the opening round, taking early control with a dazzling opening 15 minutes.
Finding easy penetration through court, the Swifts experienced attacking line had too much finesse for the young Magic defenders, goal attack Susan Pettitt playing a prominent role on the back of seamless service from Kimberlee Green.
Wing defence Laura Langman was also in the thick of action with her unrelenting pressure and strong drives through court against her old team. Enjoying a wealth of possession, the Swifts accuracy and consistency of play ensured a high-scoring 22-13 lead at the first break.
Personnel changes, including Jo Harten and Malia Paseka switching shooting positions and midcourters Samantha Sinclair and Courtney Tairi doing likewise paid dividends for the visitors.
Keeping the Swifts honest, the Magic delivered a competitive second stanza with Paseka’s elevation and athletic ability coming to the fore under the hoop while the visitor’s attacking line also showed greater accuracy and finishing.
Creating more opportunities, the Magic ended the quarter on even terms with their opposites, enabling the Swifts to retain their nine-goal advantage when they led 37-28 at the main break.
With the game in the bank, the Swifts had the luxury of introducing a quartet of their younger brigade – Amy Sommerville, Stephanie Wood, Kaitlyn Bryce and Lauren Moore – at varying stages during the run home without missing a beat, highlighting their depth of talent.
