Vixens edge past Swifts

The Melbourne Vixens have defeated the NSW Swifts 53-52 in a thrilling ANZ Championship netball game at Newcastle Entertainment Centre on Monday night.

Despite enjoying a seven-goal lead in the opening half, the Vixens had to come from behind in the final minutes to snatch victory.

Goal attack Sharelle McMahon was superb all night for the visitors and ended up shooting 88 per cent (21-of-24), while goal shooter Caitlin Thwaites was just as effective with 32-42.

Giant goal shooter Catherine Cox finished the night with 36 goals from 42 attempts, but despite her best efforts, the Swifts failed to win the points in a tough contest between two of the heavyweights of the ANZ Championship.

With McMahon and Thwaites on song early, the Vixens skipped out to a 19-15 lead at quarter-time, but the Swifts reeled that advantage back to three (32-29) at the main break.

It was all tied up (43-43) at three-quarter-time and the scene was set for a thrilling final term.

First the Swifts took the advantage, but the Vixens responded to go on and claim the victory which moves them to the top of the table.