The Melbourne Vixens tightened their grip on top spot with a masterly 64-43 win over the Adelaide Thunderbirds in Adelaide on Sunday.
In what could have been a danger game for Vixens, the visitors showed their intent with a dominant outing from go to whoa in what proved a perfect preparation for the road ahead. Fine-tuning ahead of the Finals Series, the Vixens were polished in all areas as they remained focussed on finishing the regular season with a bang.
It was further disappointment for Thunderbirds coach Jane Woodlands-Thompson, who became the first coach to notch the 100-game milestone, midcourt injuries throughout the season for the defending champions playing a strong hand today.
Robbed of several first choice picks, Thunderbirds were on the back foot from the outset and unable to get enough ball through to the shooters. They also succumbed to constant pressure from their opposites, turning over too much ball while struggling to make best use of their own opportunities.
The only consolation for the hapless Thunderbirds was an improvement on the record 38-goal drubbing they received from the same opponents in Round 8.
Andrea Gilmore got the start at wing defence for the Thunderbirds with captain Renae Hallinan slipping into centre while Vixens stuck with their established starting seven of recent weeks.
With their eyes on the Minor Premiership, Vixens made a sharp start, the table-toppers producing a slick and dominant opening stanza. Wing attack Madi Robinson, in particular, carved up on attack, her speed remaining unchecked as she constantly found perfect feeding position on the edge of the circle.
As a result, shooters Tegan Caldwell and Karyn Bailey received a steady stream of ball as the floodgates threatened to open.
Thunderbirds struggled in their attacking third, too many misfired bombs to Carla Borrego being picked off by Geva Mentor, the classy goalkeeper becoming the first import to post 100 games today, as the Vixens went on to record a healthy 20-12 lead at the first break.
Defender Rebecca Bulley worked tireless to keep her side in the contest on the resumption while goal attack Erin Bell became more involved but again it was the Thunderbirds midcourt, both on attack and defensively that proved a problem area.
Robinson continued to cut a swathe through court while wing defence Kate Maloney was a standout with her relentless disruptive abilities.
Under immense pressure throughout, Thunderbirds coughed up a lot of turnover ball, Vixens showing their full repertoire with scintillating speed being matched by measured patience when the situation required.
Building on the overall dominance, Vixens headed to the main break well-placed when leading 34-21.
Thunderbirds chipped away in the third quarter, enjoying strong patches and reducing the margin to 10 on several occasions but being unable to kick on. Vixens showed their ability to absorb pressure, then hit back in style.
Maloney, Mentor and captain Bianca Chatfield provided a suffocating defensive wall which caused problems all afternoon for the home team while the driving play of Robinson and Liz Watson, at times, made an all too easy passage through court for the Vixens.
Keen to push on, the visitors showing their overall dominance to march into the last break with a decisive 47-32 lead.
The Vixens had the luxury of bringing veteran shooter Catherine Cox on in the last quarter, Bailey’s job done with a polished 25 goals from 28 attempts.
