Phoenix off to winning start
By Melissa Woods 25/04/2007 08:55:54 PM
Australian netball's most successful side, Melbourne Phoenix, got their challenge for a sixth and final national league title off to a positive start by overcoming local rivals Melbourne Kestrels 46-41.
It was an exciting start to round one of this year's national netball competition, which will be replaced by a trans-Tasman league, featuring five teams from both Australia and New Zealand from next year.
The Phoenix have claimed five titles in the 10-year history of the domestic competition and with one Victorian side set to supplant Wednesday night's teams, they have openly spoken of their determination to finish with a sixth crown.
With Australian vice-captain and Phoenix co-captain Sharelle McMahon leading the way they got off to a strong side at Vodafone Arena, racing to a 5-1 lead.
The Kestrels' cause wasn't helped when they lost goal shooter Caitlin Thwaites two minutes into the match with a knee injury, although she recovered for the second quarter and her height gave the side a much-needed boost against the likes of Australian defender Bianca Chatfield.
The Kestrels trailed 13-8 at the quarter time break but Thwaites slotted seven from nine attempts to keep her side in touch with the Phoenix with the same five point margin, 23-18, at the main break.
Played in front of an enthusiastic Anzac Day crowd, the match came alive in the third quarter as the Kestrels, the home side, hit the front thanks to some neat shooting by Chelsea Nash, who switched from centre.
The lead see-sawed before the sides went to the final break locked at 32-32.
Phoenix coach Julie Hoornweg opted for a fresh pair of legs in the goal circle for the final 15 minutes with Sarah Ashmore replacing Abby Sargent, who was playing her first national league game since representing England at last year's Commonwealth Games.
Ashmore continued where Sargent (nine from 13) left off, on target for five goals from eight attempts.
Experience proved the difference in the final quarter with Australian representative Natasha Chokljat dominating talented 17-year-old Shae Bolton through the midcourt and McMahon holding steady in the goal circle with a crucial nine from 10.
Despite the best efforts of the Kestrels, the Phoenix were able to hold on for a five-point victory.
Phoenix co-captain Chatfield said she expected a tough match against the cross-town rivals.
"We knew they'd be tough, they've improved a lot," she said.
"We're disappointed we didn't continue our lead from the early quarters but full credit to the girls that we fought to the end.
"We want to win every match so this is the first stepping stone."
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