Phoenix thrash Thunderbirds

The Melbourne Phoenix thrashed the Adelaide Thunderbirds 67-41 at the State Netball and Hockey Centre tonight.

First half saw the Phoenix jump out early, thanks to goalers Eloise Southby-Halbish and Sharelle McMahon, and went into the main break leading 35-19, already showing dominance all areas of the court.

This was despite the big-hearted efforts from the mid-court combination in the von Bertouch sisters, Laura and current Australian team member Natalie.

Southby-Halbish's 30 goals from 34 attempts and McMahon (36/41), who was on the receiving end of an elbow in her stomach from a Thunderbirds defender late in the game, both shot at 86% accuracy.

For the Thunderbirds, Kristen Heinrich 24/37 at 65% was the best performed goaler inside the circle. Heinrich unfortunately did not receive much support from her shooting partners Jaime McKinnon and, surprise starter, Natalie Avellino.

Heinrich's regular shooting partner Natalie Medhurst is currently away on Australian u21 duties.

Phoenix coach Julie Hoornweg was impressed with the result, "We worked hard at training this week, so to get a win after all that hard work has paid off."

Goal keeper Bianca Chatfield played her best game the season at Goal Keeper since returning from illness.

Hoornweg agreed with this, "Since Bianca has returned, we have been waiting for a game where she would really step up to the plate and it happened tonight."

Wendy Jacobson also had an great game at wing attack and should poll well when the votes for play of the year are revealed later this year.

Thunderbirds coach Marg Angove was disappointed with the game, "I'm very disappointed and our mid court was thrashed."

"We need to think about adjusting our game so that we can keep up with the Phoenix come the finals series."

The Phoenix take on the Sydney Swifts next week in what shapes as a likely preview for this year's Commonwealth Bank Trophy Grand Final and Hoornweg is looking forward to a great contest, "Swifts should be a little scared of us and the line-up will be strengthened with Julie Prendergast's return".

The Thunderbirds host the AIS Canberra Darters at ETSA Park.

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