Mwai Kumwenda drilled a two-point shot after the ultimate siren to cap an unbelievable fourth-quarter comeback as Melbourne Vixens claimed a memorable 62-61 Tremendous Netball victory over cross-town rivals Collingwood Magpies.
The Magpies received every of the primary three quarters and appeared to have their second victory for the season of their grasp earlier than Kumwenda turned Sunday’s derby conflict at John Cain Aren on its head with a late flurry to steal the end result for Melbourne.
Kumwenda rocked the Magpies with a run of 4 two-point Tremendous pictures after the Vixens trailed by seven with lower than 5 minutes to play, changing the match-sealing shot after time expired regardless of the eye of a number of Collingwood defenders.
“I truly cannot consider that we received that recreation by one aim,” defender Jo Weston mentioned after Melbourne outscored the Magpies 21-14 within the fourth quarter.
“It was fairly intense.
“The final two minutes we tried to play the ball round after which Collingwood additionally tried to form of spare a little bit of time on the clock however then (Kumwenda) with that two-point shot after the buzzer – I could not even watch, I used to be too nervous.”
The Vixens appeared to profit from receiving two middle passes in a row in the course of the closing minutes however the match might be remembered for the inspirational burst from Melbourne’s Malawi worldwide shooter.
“I am feeling good, that was powerful there. I am simply happy with the ladies and so they put within the struggle in the present day,” Kumwenda advised Fox Sports activities after final season’s grand finalists bounced again from a gutting loss to West Coast Fever by inflicting heartbreak on their fierce rivals.
The all-Victorian match-up lived as much as its billing with loads of bodily and, at instances, feisty exchanges with the Magpies getting the higher of a good opening half regardless of racking up 44 penalties.
The connection between Kelsey Browne and shooter Shimona Nelson helped Collingwood set up an 18-15 lead after one quarter with defender Jodi-Ann Ward persevering with her flying begin to the season with three early intercepts.
Ward’s battle with Australian Diamonds attacker Keira Austin intensified within the second quarter because the Magpies punished quite a few unforced turnovers from the Vixens to edge forward 33-28 by halftime.
Collingwood maintained their benefit all through the third interval and the Vixens seemed brief on attacking choices with out the specter of injured goalkeeper Rahni Samason however Kumwenda stepped up within the closing minutes of the sport with a game-turning show of long-range capturing.
The Vixens host the winless Giants subsequent Sunday whereas Collingwood will face an unbeaten West Coast Fever in Perth.
