Aiken-George, Sterling-Humphrey take down leaders Vixens

ADELAIDE, Australia (CMC):

JAMAICANS ROMELDA Aiken-George and Shamera Sterling-Humprhey combined on opposite ends of the court to power reigning champions Adelaide Thunderbirds to a 73-58 win over leaders Melbourne Vixens in the Australian Super Netball Championship last weekend.

In a top-of-the-table contest at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Saturday, Aiken-George scored 47 goals from 53 attempts while Sterling-Humphrey led a superb backcourt display with three intercepts and seven deflections, to be adjudged the game’s Most Valuable Player.

“It’s all about the game-plan that I came out here for the Vixens,” Sterling-Humphrey was quoted as saying afterwards.

“I know last time we fell short [against them], so I tidied up what I needed to do and we came out with the win. I’m super proud, especially for that defence that we put on.”

A closely matched first quarter saw the game tied at 15 before Thunderbirds, who also boast Jamaican wing defence Latanya Wilson in their ranks, took control with a 17-10 blowout in the second quarter.

Leading 32-25 at the half, Thunderbirds were not allowed to run away with the encounter as Vixens matched them, the hosts coming away with a slight edge from the quarter, 19-18, to lead 51-43 head into the final stanza.

However, Thunderbirds motored away down the stretch, outscoring their opponents 22-15 to win handsomely in the end.

Sophie Garbin was on point for the losers, shooting 23 from 26 attempts, Vixens suffering their first defeat in six outings and only their second of the season.

On Sunday at the RAC Arena in Perth, West Coast Fever bounced back from their last round defeat with a 68-65 win over Giants Netball, thanks to the efforts of another Sunshine Girl, Jhaniele Fowler, who poured in 55 from 56 attempts.

ALL-IMPORTANT FINAL

Trailing 41-33 at the break, Fever produced an outstanding rally, outscoring Giants 20-9 in the third quarter, to leave the game tantalisingly poised 53-50 in their favour, heading into the all-important final period.

Nothing separated the two teams, however, as they battled to a 15-all stalemate to hand Fever the crucial win.

Fever also boasts Jamaican defender Kadie-Ann Dehaney and her international teammate, goal attack, Shanice Beckford, in their lineup.

Jo Harten led Giants with 28 from 30 attempts in a side that featured Jamaican defender Jodi-Ann Ward.

Vixens top the leaderboard with 40 points, four clear of Thunderbirds with Fever third, also on 36.