Results Summary - Sydney
NSW Swifts 33 def Mainland Tactix 27
West Coast Fever 30 def Melbourne Vixens 29
Central Pulse 25 def NSW Swifts 14
West Coast Fever 27 def Mainland Tactix 24
Melbourne Vixens 38 def Central Pulse 32
FINAL: Melbourne Vixens 22 def West Coast Fever 21
The Melbourne Vixens have claimed the ANZ Championship Pre-Season Sydney Shootout title in dramatic fashion, snatching the trophy out of West Coast Fever’s grasp in a pulsating final at Sydney Olympic Park.
Down by seven goals at half time, the Vixens hit the front with thirty seconds left in the match thanks to a three-point supershot from Karyn Bailey to win 22-21.
Captain Madi Robinson said the Vixens took a lot from the Pre-Season Tournament over the three days of competition.
“Coming into it, I had said to people I think games will literally be won or lost in the dying seconds and most games really got a little bit closer towards the last few minutes,” Robinson said.
“It was great to get a win and just wrap up the weekend as a success.”
“It was a long weekend but I think as a team we got exactly what we needed the whole pre-season comp; good hit outs, got everyone out on court, got to feel the intensity and the pace of ANZ Championship competition,” Robinson said.
“We can go back to training and there’s still a lot to work on but really happy how we finished.”
The Vixens only qualified for the Pre-Season Shootout Final after youngster Alice Teague-Neeld scored a three-point supershot in the dying seconds of their match against the Central Pulse to win by six goals to set up a showdown with the West Coast Fever.
Robinson said the Shootout was a great opportunity for youngsters to experience more of the ANZ Championship competition.
“Alice (Teague-Neeld) and a lot of our youngsters are continually growing with every match and building, which it awesome,” Robinson said.
“It’s great to have them out on court and really showing that they are ready and made for this ANZ Championship competition.”
The regular ANZ Championship season begins on April 1, with the Vixens travelling back to Sydney for their round one clash with the NSW Swifts.
