The Adelaide Thunderbirds have held on for a 57-53 victory over the NSW Swifts in the all-Australian netball clash at ETSA Park on Saturday afternoon.
In an impressive display by last season's champions, who haven't quite managed to properly click into gear this campaign, skipper Natalie von Bertouch and goal attack Erin Bell produced big performances as they ensured goalshooter Carla Borrego received plenty of opportunities.
Borrego didn't disappoint either, as she scored 38 goals from 40 attempts as Bell backed her up nicely with 19 from 23.
Hosting the encounter, the Thunderbirds worked their way out to an early 17-14 advantage at quarter-time, one that was shrunk down to just one goal by the main break.
A big third quarter saw the Thunderbirds outscore the Swifts by five goals, but the New South Wales side wouldn't lie down and ensured the result would be tight through a 14-12 final quarter.
Despite a big performance from Swifts skipper, goalshooter Catherine Cox who posted 34 from 39 attempts, the Sydney side couldn't quite find their rhythm and subsequently didn't manage to reel in the Thunderbirds at the death.
The result sees the Thunderbirds climb to sixth on the ANZ Championship ladder, while the Swifts stay in fourth, having blown the chance to move into second.