Tbirds grind it out

By Charlie McKay

Adelaide Thunderbirds have defeated Melbourne Vixens 56-53 in seesawing affair at a packed-out John Cain Arena on Sunday afternoon.

The crucial win sees the Thunderbirds push Lightning out of the top four in a finals race set to go down to the wire.

The Thunderbirds burst out of the gates, with Latanya Wilson and Matilda Garrett wreaking havoc in defence and Romelda Aiken-George rock solid under the post.

The visitors put their foot down in the Power Five, stretching out an eight-goal lead.

A clutch buzzer beater from Kiera Austin kept the Vixens within reach, but they headed into quarter time down 14–19.

But the home side roared back to life in the second term, wasting no time in clawing back the deficit.

Their sharp ball movement and lifted defensive pressure caught the Thunderbirds off guard and ignited a vocal Melbourne crowd.

Sophie Garbin held strong under the post, thriving in the absence of Shamera Sterling-Humphrey and playing with confidence.

The Vixens drew level just before half-time, but a late goal saw the Thunderbirds edge ahead 30–29 at the main break.

It was neck and neck for most of the third term, until the Vixens hit the front for the first time.

The shift forced a Thunderbirds time-out, but it did little to slow the home side’s roll.

Rudi Ellis and Jo Weston led the charge in defence, combining for crucial deflections and capitalising on the visitors’ errors.

The Vixens held their nerve to take a 46–44 lead into the final quarter.

But the defending premiers were quick to close the gap, charging into the fourth quarter and playing for their season.

They wrestled back the lead, but a crucial turnover in the Power Five gave Vixens a sniff.

Momentum swung again as the home side edged in front, only for a clutch super shot from Georgie Horjus to put the Thunderbirds back on top.

A dropped ball from Garbin in the dying minutes proved costly as the Thunderbirds converted and extended their lead.

Forced into the super shot, Vixens were unable to sink any twos and ran out of time, banking just seven goals in the final term.

Star Thunderbird Latanya Wilson was carried off the court in the final seconds, but head coach Tania Obst confirmed it was only cramping. 

Obst was pleased with the win and what it means in the context of the season.

"There was a lot on the line for us," she said.

"It was a really gritty win."