What a round of Netball!

Over the last three days, netball fans have been treated to one of the closest rounds in ANZ Championship history.

Of the four games, three were separated by an incredible two goals or less – showing just how tight this championship is amongst the five Australian and five New Zealand teams.

On Saturday afternoon, 2008 runner-up, the Colourplus Waikato / Bay of Plenty Magic defeated Mercury Energy Canterbury Tacitx by just two goals (50 – 48)

Sunday saw the all Australian clash where the unbeaten Melbourne Vixens chalked up another win over the Adelaide Thunderbirds (50 – 42).

And then there was Monday night Netball and the action couldn’t have been any hotter! Both games headed into extra time. In New Zealand the Central Pulse came so close to notching up their first ANZ Championship win – however the LG Mystics closed it out in the end after a nail biting 14minutes of extra time (Mystics 61 – Pulse 60).

No one could have predicted that a repeat of that match was about to take place in Perth as the West Coast Fever took on last years Champions– NSW Swifts.

After the Swifts led by seven goals in the final quarter – the young Fever side leveled the scores to 54 all, forcing the match into extra time. And after another spectacular 14 minutes of extra time netball – the Fever were up by just one goal, winning the match 67 to 66.

Bring on Round 6 - and enjoy the unpredictable action that is the ANZ Championship.

NOTE:

Full reports from each game and statistics can be found at www.anz-championship.com

ROUND SIX SCHEDULE

Saturday 9th May

Colourplus Waikato / Bay of Plenty Magic v Central Pulse

Mystery Creek Events Centre, Hamilton. 2.00pm*

Sunday 10th May

NSW Swifts v Adelaide Thunderbirds

Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre, Sydney. 2.30pm

Monday 11th May

LG Mystics vs Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel

The Trusts Stadium, Auckland. 7.00pm

Monday 11th May

Queensland Firebirds v West Coast Fever

Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Brisbane. 7.00pm

BYE:

Melbourne Vixens

Mercury Energy Tactix

* Please note all times are local area times.

Updated ladder after Round 5 can be found at www.anz-championship.com