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. At the same time, 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 afterward.
“I know we fell short [against them] last time, so I tidied up what I needed to do, and we came out with the win. I’m super proud, especially for that defense that we put on.”
A closely matched first quarter saw the game tied at 15 at the end of that period before the Thunderbirds, who also boast Jamaican wing defense, Latanya Wilson, 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, the Thunderbirds motored away down the stretch, outscoring their opponents 22-15 to win handsomely.
Sophie Garbin was on point for the losers, shooting 23 from 26 attempts. The Vixens suffered 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.
Trailing 41-33 at the break, Fever produced an outstanding rally, outscoring Giants 20-9 in the third quarter, to leave the game tantalizingly poised 53-50 in their favor, heading into the all-important final period.
However, nothing separated the two teams as they battled to a 15-all stalemate, handing Fever the crucial win.
Fever also boasted Jamaican defender Kadie-Ann Dehaney and her international teammate, shooter Shanice Beckford, in their lineup.
Jo Harten led the 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.
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