Major Semi Final match report | Thunderbirds vs Vixens

Despite the result, the Vixens' season remains alive, with the team now turning its attention to next week's Preliminary Final. The Vixens will return home to John Cain Arena, where they will have another opportunity to fight for a place in the season decider in front of their passionate home crowd.

Q1 | Thunderbirds 12 - 14 Vixens
The Vixens made a strong start to the contest, with Sophie Garbin (16/20) opening the scoring and immediately making her presence felt under the post. Garbin worked hard to secure attacking rebounds and stood tall against the pressure of Shamera Sterling-Humphrey, while her combination with Kiera Austin (15/21, 3 Super Shots) provided a steady source of attacking momentum. Through the midcourt, Kate Moloney (18 feeds, 9 goal assists) brought her trademark energy and drive, combining effectively with Hannah Mundy (32 feeds, 11 goal assists) to feed the circle and create scoring opportunities. Despite the Thunderbirds looking to crowd the Vixens and disrupt their attacking flow, the visitors remained composed, producing a hard-working and powerful opening quarter to take a deserved lead into the first break.

Q2 | Thunderbirds 25 – 23 Vixens
The intensity lifted in the second quarter, with both sides trading goals as the ball moved swiftly from end to end of the court. The Vixens' midcourt continued to work tirelessly to drive the ball into attack, with Zara Walters (1 gain, 1 intercept), Moloney and Mundy providing strong movement through the middle and creating opportunities for Austin and Garbin under the post. At the defensive end, Jo Weston (3 gains) and Kate Eddy applied consistent pressure, working hard to disrupt the Thunderbirds' attacking flow. Austin delivered a crucial super shot to keep the scoreboard ticking over, while the Vixens' chemistry, work rate and clinical ball movement remained evident throughout the term. However, the Thunderbirds' ability to crowd the contest and apply pressure around the ball continued to challenge the visitors as the quarter unfolded.

Q3 | Thunderbirds 42 - 37 Vixens
With expectations and tensions high heading into the second half, the Thunderbirds were able to build momentum early in the third quarter. In response, the Vixens called a tactical timeout and reshuffled their line-up, with Emily Mannix (1 gain, 1 intercept) moving into goal defence and Weston shifting to goal keeper, while Sophie Garbin moved to goal attack and Kiera Austin transitioned into goal shooter. The Thunderbirds' defensive pressure proved difficult to navigate, forcing several costly passing errors from the visitors. Lily Graham (four SUPER Shots) was introduced at goal attack midway through the term and immediately made an impact. Graham converted four super shots during the Power Five period, while Austin added another from long range as the Vixens looked to stay within reach. Rudi Ellis also entered the contest, adding fresh legs in defence, with the visitors sinking five super shots for the quarter despite the Thunderbirds holding the momentum.

Q4 | Thunderbirds 58 - 44 Vixens
The Vixens continued to fight hard throughout the final quarter, showing plenty of determination as they looked to close the gap. The visitors worked tirelessly across all areas of the court, but the Thunderbirds maintained their defensive intensity and pressure around the ball, forcing the Vixens into uncharacteristic errors at crucial moments. Despite the team's relentless effort and willingness to contest every possession, the Thunderbirds were able to capitalise on turnovers and maintain control of the contest through to the final whistle.

THE NUMBERS
4 – Lily Graham worked hard on our attacking end, scoring four Super Shots in the third quarter showcasing her shooting abilities.

THE COACH SAYS

Di Honey spoke about the Vixens performance and their progression throughout the game.
“Our first quarter was great, we got back to the brand of netball that we can produce and then probably towards the end of the second quarter just some decision making and some forced errors.

Di on the Thunderbirds style of play today.
“They played a very good possession game and obviously we need to look at that for next week.”

Di on Lily Graham entering the game and scoring four Super Shots in one quarter.
“Lily was fantastic when she came on... It’s nice to have a young player that has the confidence to get out there and do that

NEXT
Our Vixens will be facing off the winner of the Minor Semi Final at John Cain Arena in the Preliminary final.