In a contest that showcased momentum swings, physicality, and clutch execution, it was the Vixens’ composure in the dying minutes to defeat the GIANTS 66–64.
The Vixens set the tone early, racing out of the blocks with four unanswered goals in the opening two minutes. The fast start forced an early timeout from the GIANTS, who struggled to generate an attacking rhythm. It took nearly nine minutes for the visitors to register their first goal, as the Vixens’ defensive pressure and clean ball movement controlled proceedings.
Garbin was flawless in the opening term, not missing a single shot as she anchored the Vixens’ attack with confidence and precision. While Sophie Dwyer provided a spark for the GIANTS with a late super shot, the damage had already been done. Vixens closed the quarter with a 21–15 lead, built on efficiency and control.
The second quarter saw a complete momentum shift.
The Vixens struck first through Garbin, but the GIANTS began to find their groove, led by improved defensive pressure and stronger feeds into the circle. Casey Adamson’s influence grew, helping to generate more consistent attacking opportunities, while the defensive unit tightened to disrupt Vixen’s previously smooth transitions.
The Vixens, so composed in the opening term, became increasingly scrappy.
Missed opportunities and unforced errors crept into their game, allowing the GIANTS to capitalise. The visitors piled on seven more goals than the Vixens in the quarter, flipping the scoreboard and heading into halftime with a narrow 33–32 lead.
The third quarter developed into a tense, stop-start battle.
The GIANTS briefly extended their advantage early, but the Vixens responded with renewed urgency.
Through the leadership and work rate of Kate Moloney in the midcourt, the Vixens regained control of possession and territory.
Moloney’s ability to drive play and deliver clean ball into the circle proved crucial in steadying her side.
Whitney Souness was instrumental for the GIANTS, producing a strong performance through the centre to keep her team in the contest.
By the final break, the Vixens had edged back in front, leading 50–46 and setting the stage for a gripping final quarter.
What followed was a dramatic finish that highlighted both teams’ resilience and attacking firepower.
The Vixens opened the final term with intent, scoring quickly and looking to put the game beyond reach.
Jo Weston made her presence felt with a crucial rebound, while the Vixens defensive unit applied sustained pressure.
But the GIANTS refused to fade.
Dwyer stepped up in the power five period, draining multiple super shots to drag her side back into contention.
Matisse Letherbarrow also contributed important goals, ensuring the margin remained within reach as the clock ticked down.
With just four minutes remaining, the margin was cut to a single goal.
The intensity lifted, errors became more costly, and every possession carried enormous weight.
A pivotal moment came when Zara Walters produced a crucial intercept, shifting momentum back in the Vixens favour.
Converting the turnover into a goal, briefly restoring breathing room.
Yet the GIANTS responded again, levelling the scores with just one minute remaining after capitalising on a late opportunity.
With the game hanging in the balance, it was the Vixens who found another gear.
Kiera Austin applied defensive pressure to force a turnover, and the ball quickly made its way into the hands of Garbin, who had been a pillar of consistency all afternoon, delivering when it mattered most, calmly converting back-to-back goals to push the Vixens ahead.
Those final shots proved decisive; the difference lay in the Vixens feistiness in the dying minutes ensured they remained victorious.
