Swifts surge to second

The NSW Swifts finished off their most complete performance of 2014 to defeat the Central Pulse 63-45 in round five of the ANZ Championships at Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre on Monday.

The NSW Swifts turned a 33-27 halftime advantage into a 14-goal lead at the final break and held strong to win by 18 goals.

Head coach Rob Wright said fighting hard to earn three wins in the opening four rounds had given the Swifts the tools they needed to hold off the talent-laden Pulse.

“These last couple of weeks have built their confidence so we know when we get in those [tight] situations that we’re generally pretty good; but I must say our third quarter was better than good, I was really impressed,” Wright said.

“That was probably the best quarter we’ve played this year and against a really quality team.” 

The win means the Swifts take a four wins to one loss record into next weekend’s bye and second place on the ladder.

Swifts shooter Caitlin Thwaites was named MVP on the back of a 100% first half of shooting. She slotted 30 goals from 36 attempts before she left the court midway through the fourth quarter for 2014 ANZ Championships debutant Gretel Tippett.

The NSW Swifts return to Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre on April 13 for their round seven clash with the Melbourne Vixens.