Netball: Swifts crush defending champs Thunderbirds

Erin Bell of the Thunderbirds shoots for goal. Photo / Getty Images

Adelaide Thunderbirds started their trans-Tasman netball title defence on a distinctly off key note, as they crashed to a 60-40 loss to NSW Swifts at Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre on Sunday.

NSW, pre-season favourite and last season's minor premier were too strong for a revamped Adelaide side, which lost three premiership-winning players including Mo'onia Gerrard, who lined up at wing defence for NSW.

The 60-goal haul equalled the Swifts highest ever trans-competition total against Adelaide.

Swifts Australian squad shooter Susan Pratley made all 27 of her attempts.

The new look Adelaide circle defence combination of Sharni Layton and Kara Richards struggled to contain Pratley, Catherine Cox (22/29) and Carla Dziwoki (11/11).

NSW won a couple of crucial matchups, with Kimberlee Green outpointing Natalie von Bertouch at centre and Swifts defender Sonia Mkololma containing prolific Adelaide spearhead Carla Borrego (31/35).

NSW led 15-10 at quarter-time and a flurry of goals late in the second set up a 29-16 halftime advantage after they limited the Thunderbirds to just eight attempts in the second term.

The relentless Swifts continued to dominate, bolting to a 44-28 lead at the last break.

NSW Swifts 60 (Susan Pratley 27/27, Catherine Cox 22/29, Carla Dziwoki 11/11) bt Adelaide Thunderbirds 40 (Carla Borrego 31/36, Erin Bell 5/8, Bianca Giteau 4/6). Halftime: 29-16.

- AAP