Vixens fall short in derby

The match was physical and at times messy, showing the hunger for a win from both sides.

With numbers on par for most of the game, the Vixens managed to hold control for the first three quarters. In the final term, the tide had shifted, and Collingwood was able to run home with the win.

With assistant coaches Di Honey and Sharelle McMahon unable to travel with the short notice given on Thursday, an injured Liz Watson joined Simone McKinnis on the bench.

With one of the best seats in the house, Watson said the game was promising until the final term.

“I think we played three quarters of netball. It all came down to that last quarter where we let things slip and let those little things that we pride ourselves on come out of our game.

“I don’t think Magpies changed up too much the way they were playing; it was probably just us needing to recognise what was happening out on court.

“Our basic errors and execution, and being able to build that pressure for four quarters – that’s what wins games at this level. And to only have three good quarters, you can’t win a game like that.”

Despite the loss, Watson pointed out the positives to take from the game.

“We saw some things out on court that we worked on at training yesterday which was a really good step up.

“I think a positive to take away was that we saw some changes with some players coming on and making an impact.

“Hannah had a really good game in WA. She was taking drives and being dominant against one of the best wing defences in the comp, so I think there are little positives like that we can take out of the game.”

The Vixens will remain in Adelaide for the time being, after the league urged all teams to relocate to South Australia in an effort to finish the Suncorp Super Netball season safely.

Details on the remaining rounds will be release by the league soon.