Jamaican stars Latanya Wilson and Romelda Aiken-George delivered sensational performances to keep the Adelaide Thunderbirds’ playoff hopes alive with a 60-49 victory over the Melbourne Mavericks in the Suncorp Super Netball League in Australia.

Two-time defending champions Thunderbirds delivered a patchy performance across the 60 minutes but held their nerve when it mattered to secure victory in the First Nations Round clash at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre. Aiken-George led the scoring charge, pouring in a game-high 49 goals from 55 attempts, adding three rebounds and three assists in an all-round masterclass.

On the defensive end, Wilson was simply unstoppable. The Sunshine Girl defender won the Player of the Match accolade after equalling the league record with nine intercepts and nine deflections, while also registering 12 gains and two rebounds, completely stifling the Mavericks’ attack.

Despite the loss, Jamaican goal shooter Shimona Jok stood tall for the Mavericks, finishing with a team-best 37 goals.

The win keeps Adelaide firmly in the playoff hunt, setting up a thrilling, winner-takes-all showdown in the final round against Sunshine Coast Lightning. Both teams, along with the Melbourne Vixens, are locked on 28 points in a tight race for the last two playoff spots.

Meanwhile, the Mavericks will close their campaign against the GIANTS Netball team.

Round 13 action continues later tonight (Jamaica time) with more Jamaican talent on display. The top-of-the-table West Coast Fever, featuring Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard, Kadie-Ann Dehaney, and Shanice Beckford — who was recently named Player of the Week for Round 12 — will face GIANTS Netball at RAC Arena in Perth.