The third match of a split Round Eight of Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) took place over the weekend, with the ANZ Premiership entering its eleventh round, and there are plenty of Vitality Roses involved across both competitions Down Under.
Geva Mentor and her Collingwood Magpies team put on a battling performance as they narrowly fell short in a 67-65 defeat at Sunshine Coast Lightning on Saturday.
The 36-year-old’s defensive pressure unnerved the two-time champions who were a Shimona Nelson missed shot away from losing before dramatically taking the victory in extra-time.
Last weekend, Helen Housby started – with Nat Haythornthwaite an unused substitute – in NSW Swifts’ 64-52 win against Queensland Firebirds, while Jo Harten’s GIANTS Netball ended a run of three straight losses by beating Adelaide Thunderbirds 57-41.
Stacey Francis-Bayman’s unbeaten West Coast Fever were due to face 2020 champions Melbourne Vixens but that match is to be rescheduled following complications with COVID-19 travel restrictions in Australia.
In the ANZ Premiership, George Fisher didn’t feature this week as she continues her recovery from a head injury suffered in Southern Steel’s 53-43 reverse against Northern Stars on June 19.
Massive Thank you to all for your messages. Been on limited screen time But I’ve seen all the love. Been a strange week but a massive SO to @SteelNetball whanau who have been there for me every step of the way. This girl’s on the mend & can’t wait to get out on court soon. 💗💙 pic.twitter.com/Ypeu5O7EHH
— GEORGE Fisher (@GeorginaFisher4) June 27, 2021
In her absence, Steel overcame Waikato Bay of the Plenty Magic 65-50 with a commanding display.
Elsewhere, England legend Ama Agbeze played the most minutes she’s had in a game this season as she helped Northern Mystics win 65-57 at Northern Stars.
Suncorp Super Netball Round 9 fixtures
Saturday 3 July at 06:00am (BST) – NSW Swifts vs West Coast Fever
Saturday 3 July at 10:00am (BST) – Queensland Firebirds vs GIANTS Netball
Sunday 4 July 04:00am (BST) – Sunshine Coast Lightning vs Melbourne Vixens
Sunday 4 July 06:00am (BST) – Adelaide Thunderbirds vs Collingwood Magpies
ANZ Premiership Round 12 fixtures
Sunday 4 July at 05:15am (BST) – Northern Mystics vs Northern Stars
Monday 5 July at 08:15am (BST) – Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic vs Southern Steel
The ANZ Premiership is free to watch live and on demand here
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