9 Mar 2009

Swifts win pre-season netball tournament

7:07 am on 9 March 2009

The New South Wales Swifts have maintained last year's premiership-winning form to claim netball's pre-season cup in Sydney.

The Swifts stormed through the three-day round robin tournament undefeated and held New Zealand's Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic to a 49-all draw in their last game, which doubled as a grand final rematch.

The draw meant NSW had a nervous wait to claim the $10,000 prize money and the winners' trophy.

Finishing on 12 points, the reigning premiers watched on from the grandstand for the result of the final match of the tournament between the Adelaide Thunderbirds and the Melbourne Vixens.

Adelaide, who were without star defender Mo'onia Gerrard, overcame the Vixens 65-49 to join the Swifts on top of the table.

But NSW were declared champions on a far superior goal difference, with the Thunderbirds finishing runners-up and the Vixens third.