Jamaican shooter Romelda Aiken-George starred as Adelaide Thunderbirds held off a late surge from Sunshine Coast Lightning to secure a thrilling 64-62 victory in the final game of the Australian Super Netball Championship regular season.
Aiken-George finished with 44 goals from 51 attempts while goal attack Horjus supported with 10 from 14 attempts.
Thunderbirds dominated early, leading 18-15 after the first quarter before also controlling the second quarter to come away with a 35-29 half-time lead.
The teams could not be separated in the third quarter after ending in a 16-all deadlock, but Lightning out-scored Thunderbirds 17-13 to create a dramatic finish to the contest.
Meanwhile national captain Jhaniele Fowler Nembhard was the stand-out as West Coast Fever dominated Melbourne Mavericks 76-57.
The 34-year-old Fowler Nembhard netted 67 from 68 attempts in a near perfect outing, as the Fever controlled the match from the outset after racing to a 20-15 lead at the end of the first quarter before securing a 34-30 half-time advantage.
Fever then stamped their authority in the third quarter, out-shooting Mavericks 22-13 to set up an easy run in the final quarter.
Fowler’s international teammate, Shimona Jok, formerly Nelson made the running for Mavericks by shooting 30 goals from 33 attempts.
Thunderbirds ended the regular season on top the table with 44 points and will take on second placed Melbourne Vixens (44 points) next Saturday for a place in the final, while third placed Fever (44) clash with Lightning (24) in the other semi-final.
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