It was a historic day for netball with the two international teams travelling to Tasmania to participate in the first ever trans-Tasman match in the state.
Stepping away from the traditional netball format, the teams played six quarters of netball in the pre-season clash, with both sides able to rotate through a number of players and combinations on court.
New Vixens recruits Cath Cox, Caitlyn Strachan and Joanna Weston all had a run in their respected positions with most players on court finding time to work with various combinations.
Melbourne Vixens coach Simone McKinnis was happy with the way her team responded to the match and the rotation of her players on court.
“In terms of getting on court and working together I thought we did that very well, but we still had patches where things got a bit clunky and the connections weren’t there but that is what pre-season is about and we had the opportunity today to work through those moments,” McKinnis said.
“Coming down to Tasmania we were able to set it up like a normal ANZ Championship weekend away, particularly for the ones that have not been through that before. Going up against the Northern Mystics gave us the chance to play against the New Zealand style of defence which is beneficial to us given we will take on the Mystics in Melbourne for Round 1 of the season in early March.”
“The Tassie crowd really got behind us so that was great to have their support but it was important we maintained our focus during each quarter given the amount we were able to rotate and try out difference combinations.”
Melbourne Vixens Tegan Caldwell was named MVP for the match after a consistent performance in the shooting end.
In the days earlier match between Tasmania North and Tasmania South the Tasmanian crowd were treated to an excellent exhibition showcasing Tasmania’s finest local players from the Tasmanian Netball League (TNL). The inaugural clash between North and South for the Judy Headlam trophy saw the side from Tasmania North come out narrow winners 52-49 after trailing for much of the 3rd and 4th quarter. The player of the match was awarded to Tasmania South captain and Lexus Arrows TNL player Kate Costelloe.
Netball Tasmania General Manager Julia Phlllips said that the crowd and players really took to the concept and that the game was a huge success.
“It was really great to see the players and fans getting behind the game in what we hope will become an annual event and highlight in the Tasmanian netball calendar. It is really great exposure for some of our most talented players to be able to experience the atmosphere of an ANZ Championship environment and to show their skills on such a stage”
Netball Tasmania was also delighted to be able to partner with special guest Samuel Johnson and his charity Love Your Sister in raising over $3500 for his charity.
Crowd:1610
