Netball: Vixens trounce Thunderbirds

The Vixens thrashed the Thunderbirds 65-47. Photo / Getty Images

The Vixens have trounced the Thunderbirds 65-47 in their first clash of the trans-Tasman netball league.

Melbourne outclassed last year's champions before a less than capacity crowd at ETSA Park in Adelaide today.

Clumsy passing from the revamped Thunderbirds gave early ground to the Vixens goalshooting duo of co-captain Sharelle McMahon and former Thunderbird Kate Beveridge.

It was the second game for the Thunderbirds who were thrashed 60-40 by the NSW Swifts last week after losing three of their key premiership-winning players - including two who lined up against them for the Vixens on Sunday.

Adelaide's goal tossing dynamo Carla Borrego came under heavy pressure from former teammate Geva Mentor as centre Natalie von Bertouch worked tirelessly to boost her less experienced team around the court.

But the Vixens' goalshooting pair streaked ahead in third quarter scoring with all 16 of their goal attempts.

- AAP