Mwawi’s Vixens cement top position

Australia-based netballer Mwawi Kumwenda yesterday netted 46 baskets to inspire Melbourne Vixens to a 63-60 victory over NSW Swifts and maintain pole position in the Suncorp Super Netball (SSN).

It was a hard-fought victory as the game had to be decided in the last quarter. It was also the first time for Kumwenda to play a full game this season and she did not disappoint Vixens head coach Simone McKinnis, according to www.supernetball.com.au.

She registered a 92 percent shooting accuracy after scoring from 50 attempts.

Kumwenda’s attacking partners Tegan Philip and Caitlin Thwaites scored 12 and five goals, respectively.

In a post-match interview, McKinnis said the team’s plan to move the ball quickly down the court to maximise Kumwenda’s ability had paid dividends.

She was quoted telling Suncorp website www.supernetball.com.au: “Certainly a focus of ours has been letting the ball go and moving the ball with a bit more pace and speed, and when we do that then it’s easier to be feeding it and finding MJ [Kumwenda] as well.

“So [it’s] another positive side of our game that worked well for us today.”

The victory could not have been sweeter as it marked the first time for Vixens to beat Swifts since 2018.

At half time, the two teams were tied at 30 and in the third quarter Vixens opened up a 45-41 lead and they held on to the slim lead as it ended 63-60.

In an interview, Kumwenda said she was happy with the victory.

“It was team work which made it easier for me to score. I am happy to have played my part well, but I am proud of my teammates and the coach. We never gave up but took the game to our opponents. This team beat us three times last year. It’s a good feeling to beat them,” he said.

Vixens face Giants on Tuesday in Round 9 of the 2020 SSN season at Brisbane’s Nissan Arena.