Swifts fall in one point thriller

The NSW Swifts fell short to the Adelaide Thunderbirds in the dying 30 seconds, with the hosts claiming a one-goal victory, 50-49, in Round 3 of the 2014 ANZ Championships in Adelaide on Monday.

It was a fierce 60-minute contest at Netball SA Stadium, where the visitors fought back from a six-goal deficit – not once, but twice – with a deflection from Thunderbirds’ defender and former Swift Rebecca Bulley the only thing to deny NSW an opportunity to equalise with 10 seconds on the clock.

The NSW Swifts were resilient, coming back from two early injury setbacks, pushing the defending Champions to the very limits.  Although disappointed to leave Adelaide without the competition points, head coach Rob Wright had nothing but praise for his Swifts players. 

“It was a great effort from the girls – to get within one goal, where I think twice we were down by six and to lose two mid courters early, was a real testament to our never-say-die attitude.  It was a gutsy performance from everyone today,” Wright said.

“Full credit to the Thunderbirds.  Tonight they showed why they’re known for winning those tight games, and showed why they’re so tough to defeat at home.  So full credit to them – they did a great job, but so did we.

“Kim Green was outstanding in controlling the midcourt, and ably assist by Abbey [McCulloch] who, to put on the C bib and play out the rest of the game without expecting to, it was a really gutsy performance from her. “

The Swifts return to play in front of home fans this week when they prepare to take on the Queensland Firebirds at Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre on Sunday 23 March.