Official Result & Statistics: Vixens v Tactix

Official Result & Statistics

Official Result: Melbourne Vixens (69) def Mainland Tactix (48)

• Madi Robinson named MVP in her 100th ANZ Championship appearance

• Karyn Bailey rebounds back strongly from injury to score 50 goals

• Tactix denied record third win in a row

In her 100th ANZ Championship appearance, Vixens captain Madi Robinson steered her side to a comprehensive 69-48 victory over the Tactix in Christchurch.

While wing attack Robinson was typically the lynchpin, awarded with the MVP of the match, it was a strong all-round performance by the entire Vixens’ team, who have grown in confidence in stature which each week of the league.

Case in point was shooter Karyn Bailey, who missed the Vixens’ last two matches with a foot injury, but came back incredibly cool-headed under fire, adding 50 goals at 88 percent accuracy.

The Tactix, who have been one of the strongest attacking sides in this year’s competition, were understandably disappointed to be denied a third win in a row – a feat they have never achieved in the ANZ Championship history.

But the Vixens made it clear from the outset that they meant business, quickly establishing a five-goal lead through smooth, simple passing and the sure hands of shooter Karyn Bailey.

The Tactix did not enjoy the same ease of passage through to their shooters, and when the ball got there, the athletic and exuberant Kumwenda had to fight for every scrap of possession with the Vixens’ expert goal keep Geva Mentor.

With the difference eight goals just before quarter time, the Tactix made changes to their midcourt, with Charlotte Elley making her ANZ Championship debut at wing defence. The switch immediately created a turnover for the home side, but still they trailed 21-14 at the first break.

Robinson continued to marshal her troops in the second spell, proficiently controlling the flow to Bailey and swift young goal attack Alice Teague-Neeld, who showed confidence beyond her 20 years. In an attempt to disrupt the Vixens’ comfortable rhythm, the Tactix introduced Louise Thayer, replacing Jess Moulds at goal keeper. But little could unsettle the Vixens who eased out to a 38-25 lead at halftime, and Moulds was back for the third spell.

The Tactix had more impetus after halftime, with new centre Nicola Mackle and Bailey Mes using bounce passes into Kumwenda to better effect and managed to draw the third quarter 12-12.

But a 50-37 deficit was always going to be difficult to reverse when the Vixens maintained their intensity till the very end, winning the quarter by eight. Goal defence Jo Weston battling on after a nasty fall on her head was a perfect example of their fortitude.

ENDS

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