The NSW Swifts claimed their second derby victory of the season with a sublime 59-55 comeback win over Giants Netball on the back of a stellar showing from Sarah Klau.
The goalkeeper came up with four intercepts for the Super Netball clash and was integral to getting her side back into the contest in the third quarter when they were down by five points. Helen Housby was fantastic up front with a game-high 23 assists.
The Giants looked set to claim an upset win over the competition frontrunners in a high-intensity affair, but the hosts were able to keep their composure and come home strong in the final quarter.
Sam Wallace continued her stellar run of form with 48 points, while Australian Diamonds captain Caitlin Bassett performed valiantly in a losing side with 34 of her own.
Swifts coach Briony Akle was particularly impressed with the performance of her English star Housby who stepped up when it counted in a side that was missing some key players including captain Maddy Proud.
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"We always knew we were going to have to get the ball to the players who had been around for a bit longer with some girls missing, and she really stood up today for us especially at the end when we really needed it," she said.
"It was a work in progress all week and we just had to tell ourselves that we were going to be okay without Maddy despite what the outside voices were saying and Helen was a key part of that."
Kim Green was strong in a beaten side with 21 assists and the Giants will take plenty of positives out of the game after being the better side for at least three quarters.
The Swifts also had the better of the Giants in this season's opening round, winning 63-56. The Swifts will travel to Adelaide next weekend to play the seventh-placed Thunderbirds, while the Giants will look to regroup for the match in Sydney on Saturday night against the third-placed Melbourne Vixens in what looms as a must-win game.
