A smothering defensive masterclass has allowed the Adelaide Thunderbirds to turn an eagerly awaited Super Netball grand-final rematch into a lopsided annihilation, trouncing the NSW Swifts 58-33.
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After trailing narrowly at quarter-time at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Saturday night, the Thunderbirds moved ahead in the second term before suffocating the Swifts 35-13 after halftime.
Adelaide's dynamic Jamaican defensive duo Latanya Wilson and Shamera Sterling-Humphrey led the rout, combining for 12 deflections, eight rebounds and seven intercepts to give NSW's frontcourt an absolute bath.
"It feels so amazing," said player-of-the-match Wilson, who celebrated her 50th game in style.
"What a milestone. It's such an elated feeling and I'm so happy we got the win.
"We're evolving and we're hunting for something new.
"Whatever that looks like, I'm so happy that I'm a part of this great team."
The Swifts started promisingly enough, centre Lili Gorman-Brown's connection with shooter Sophie Fawns an early feature.
But NSW lost their radar in the second quarter before the wheels came off completely in the third.
They were held scoreless for more than six minutes as the Thunderbirds rattled off nine on the trot to turn a tense 25-24 advantage into a comfortable 34-24 cushion.
After Sterling-Humphrey got on top in defence in the second term, Wilson took the mantle in the third.
At the other end, Georgie Horjus's workrate and class shone after she was moved to goal attack.
Adelaide out-rebounded NSW 12-1, piloted by Wilson - who recovered from an accidental eye poke to continue denying the Swifts second chances.
The nightmare extended into the fourth period for the visitors, who continued to rack up penalties and turnovers, while missing six of their 11 shot attempts to be belted 17-5 down the stretch.
Australian Associated Press
