The Melbourne Vixens have claimed a crucial win against the Queensland Firebirds in a nail biter on the Gold Coast, defeating the home team 58-57.
Both teams had their share of the momentum throughout the match, with the margin remaining less than five goals for majority of the 60 minutes.
Nothing separated the two teams in the first quarter, with the scores deadlocked at 16-all at quarter time.
As the Vixens goalers begun to find their rhythm against tough defensive duo Laura Geitz and Kim Jenner, the Vixens hit the lead by two goals at the main break.
It was a dominating third quarter for the Vixens, with the lead stretching out to seven goals with some impressive defence from Kadie-Ann Dehaney at Goal Keeper.
The home team again found form in the last quarter, with a seven goal run seeing them lead by three with just minutes left.
With the score level with 30 second left and a Firebirds centre pass, it was an impressive defensive effort from goaler Mwai Kumwenda, who took a deflection from along the transverse line that secured the win in a thriller.
Vixens Wing Defence Renae Ingles said the team knew it would be a tough match, with the Firebirds inflicting the Vixens first loss of the season back in Round 3.
“We knew that the Firebirds, regardless of the scoreline, have really fast scoring power, so it was about the 60 minute contest for us,” Ingles said.
“One of our biggest focuses is scoring off our centre pass. Then any gain ball that you get against a team like Firebirds you have to treasure, so it came down to that across the match.
“So now we’ll go recover, look at the game and celebrate that one a little bit. We’re just really pleased to be going home with the five points.”
The Melbourne Vixens now turn their sights to the first of two home games in a row, taking on the Adelaide Thunderbirds at Hisense Arena on Sunday 15 July. Get your tickets here.
Match report with thanks to the Melbourne Vixens
