NSW SWIFTS 50 defeat ADELAIDE THUNDERBIRDS 44

The NSW Swifts traveled to and defeated the Adelaide Thunderbirds on their home court - not an easy feat in this pressure-cooker-competition, the ANZ Championship.

Behind at each of the breaks the NSW Swifts never gave up and whilst their first 30 minutes were not something to write home about, they regrouped at half time and dug out a well-fought victory.

Quarter by quarter
Thunderbirds 13 - Swifts 10
Thunderbirds 25 - Swifts 19
Thunderbirds 37 - Swifts 35
Swifts 50 - Thunderbirds 44

Susan Pratley was quiet in the first half shooting only four goals, but in the second half injected herself into the game occupying the time of Thunderbirds GD Mo`onia Gerrard, giving her captain Catherine Cox the opportunity to work her magic in goals.  Together the dynamic duo displayed confidence and poise in the second half and never let the Thunderbirds take the game back.

The final term was blistering from the NSW Swifts defenders Rebecca Bulley, Kim Purcell and Selina Gilsenan who took critical intercepts and turned the game around by eight goals (two down at the 3/4 break to win by six goals).

Against the odds, and against the tipsters, the NSW Swifts have injected themselves back towards the top of the ANZ Championship ladder and sets themselves up for a huge clash against the Mystics in Auckland in Round 10 and then back home at Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre against the Queensland Firebirds in Round 11 (Sunday 15 June).

The NSW Swifts have proven yet again that they are a team that can not be underestimated.

Tonight`s match was a great belated birthday present for captain Catherine Cox (24th May) and an upcoming present for vice captain Selina Gilsenan who turns 30 this week.

ENDS.

Round 9 - NSW Swifts have the BYE
Round 10 - NSW Swifts v Auckland Mystics in NZ - AWAY game

Next home game, Round 11, 1.30pm Sunday 15 June 2008
NSW Swifts v Qld Firebirds
Ticketek 132 849