Paula Griffin of Southern Steel. Photo / Getty Images
The ANZ Championship's super round has provided the knockout blow to the Southern Steel's 2011 campaign after they notched up their second loss in four days yesterday.
The Steel followed Thursday's shock 49-44 loss to the Tactix with another untidy performance against the Vixens in Melbourne, outgunned by the home
side's sharp defence.
The 42-33 scoreline was indicative of a defensive-oriented game, with both sides struggling for rhythm on attack.
The Vixens' disjointed attacking effort could be partly attributed to the changes to their shooting end as they adjust to life without their inspirational captain Sharelle McMahon. The crafty goal attack ruptured her Achilles tendon - a potentially career-ending injury for the 34-year-old - in last week's loss to the Firebirds.
Paula Griffin's airshot in the first minute set the tone for an ugly first quarter from the Steel as the Vixens sped to a 12-7 lead.
The gap was narrowed to three at the major break and the Steel even drew level early in the third quarter after a gallant comeback led by some strong defensive work in midcourt.
But the Vixens, spurred on by some brilliant defence of their own, consolidated and were more composed under pressure, ensuring the Steel remain winless on Australian soil.
The result sees the Northern Mystics once again drop out of the top four despite a solid 13-goal win over the Central Pulse on Saturday.
The Auckland side are level with the NSW Swifts and Vixens on points, but sit in fifth place as the two Australian sides have better goal percentages.
In yesterday's other game the Adelaide Thunderbirds held off the Tactix for a 59-56 win in Christchurch.
The Canterbury Tactix trailed by nine at halftime and carried that deficit through into the final spell.
They finally kicked into gear in the fourth quarter, outscoring the visitors 15-9 for the period, but their run came too late.
