The ANZ Championships-Classy opening win for Vixens
Classy opening win for Vixens
Staff Writers, Sunday, 20 February 2011.
The Melbourne Vixens showed the benefit of their off-season signings with a classy 65-47 win over defending champions Adelaide Thunderbirds in ANZ Championship action today.
With former Thunderbirds Kate Beveridge (GS) and Geva Mentor (GK) shoring up either end of their court as if they had been there forever, the Vixens handed the reigning premiers their second heavy defeat in the space of a week, this time on their home court.
The Thunderbirds lost their season-opener to the NSW Swifts by 20 goals, while the Vixens impressed in their first appearance of 2011 by unveiling a new-look line-up. After a strong recruitment drive following a year they would rather forget in 2010, the 2009 premiers sent a warning to others with a powerful showing.
It was Vixens stalwarts Sharelle McMahon and Bianca Chatfield who headed the charge today from either end of the court. McMahon was at her imperious best in igniting the attacking line while Chatfield was energetic and menacing at the defensive end.
After a solid second quarter, the Thunderbirds showed their frailties as the Vixens marched to an emphatic win.
An even start quickly evaporated as the Vixens' impressive transitional play through court paid dividends. On song from the outset, the visitors impressed with their slick handling, precision on attack, strong defensive exploits and accuracy under the hoop.
Veteran goal attack McMahon got her team off to a flyer, the mercurial playmaker combining almost flawlessly with new shooting recruit Beveridge.
At the other end defenders Chatfield and new signing Mentor put the heat on Thunderbirds shooting sensation Carla Borrego, who was kept under close wraps. On the back of a six-goal run, the Vixens powered away to a handy lead.
Over-ambitious passing at times cost the Thunderbirds who put the double-marked Borrego under too much pressure as the Vixens headed to the first break with an 18-10 lead.
There was a strong response from the Thunderbirds on the resumption. Showing more patience on attack helped inject Borrego at the right times, her shooting partner Erin Bell also stepping up and adding solid support. A rise in shooting accuracy helped the Thunderbirds remain on parity with the Vixens as the possession stakes evened out in the second stanza.
One of many of a contingent of young players scattered through the Thunderbirds line-up, goalkeeper Sharni Layton was a strong contributor through the second quarter, picking up a number of intercepts with her energetic display.
Unable to stretch their lead, the Vixens still held the advantage as they went to the halftime break with a 31-23 lead.
After another competent start, things began to unravel for the home team as the well-drilled and more experienced Vixens took control. Shooting wobbles counted against the Thunderbirds where the defensive pressure exerted by Chatfield and Mentor remained relentless.
Carrying a big load, Borrego was not always able to deliver, the Vixens pouncing on anything loose and converting with ease at the other end. The Thunderbirds were made to pay for their lapses as the reliable McMahon and Beveridge ensured the visitors a healthy 47-31 advantage at threequarter time.
There was no respite through the closing quarter, the Thunderbirds unable to make any inroads against the dominant Vixens.
