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NETBALL

AUSSIE SWIFTS WIN ANZ GRAND FINAL

ANZ: The championship reached its climax today

Monday July 28,2008

By Emily Garnham for express.co.uk

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NSW SWIFTS have won the inaugural trans-Tasman ANZ Championship after four months of unforgettable play.

The Aussie grand-final hosts clinched the deal with a 65-56 win over Kiwi team Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic with a reliable line-up that had already earned them an unbeaten eight-game run.

The pioneering Southern Hemisphere competition featuring many of England netball’s hottest players reached its climax today before a 12,000 strong crowd at the Acer Arena in Sydney.

Despite an ever consistent Irene Van Dyk under the Magic goal, Swifts had a six-goal advantage by half time thanks to dynamic shooting duo Catherine Cox (player of the final) and Susan Pratley’s 81 per cent accuracy.

Magic mounted a comeback in the third quarter, netting 17 goals to Swifts' 16, by converting a run of turnovers from their defence.

But Swifts managed to hold on to a seven-goal lead ahead of the final quarter.

And with 15 minutes remaining and all to play for, the Aussies averaged a goal a minute to beat the Kiwis by nine.

Swifts emerged as favourites after defeating Magic 57-56 in the semi-final a fortnight ago - and winning every game since their round six loss to the Firebirds.

They also got the better of their rivals in round three, taking a 50-47 victory in Newcastle.

Magic closed out the round robin competition less convincingly, losing away games to the Vixens and Steel, and beating tenth-placed Pulse by only five goals in Wellington, before soundly defeating Tactix at home in the last round to seal the No. 1 spot in the minor premiership.

*** FOR VIDEO FOOTAGE, PICS AND CHAMPIONSHIP NEWS VISIT THE ANZ WEBSITE! ***

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