3 minute read

Super Netball strugglers West Coast Fever and Queensland Firebirds could not be separated after a tense sixth round clash in Brisbane.

Queensland Firebirds captain Gabi Simpson and her West Coast Fever counterpart Courtney Bruce craved extra time to settle their Super Netball stalemate in Brisbane.

Both teams had their chances to seal victory in the frantic closing seconds at the State Netball Centre on Saturday, but ultimately they shared the competition points after a tense 62-62 draw.

"I'd like to keep going," said Bruce, who at least had the satisfaction of last year's runners-up's improving to sixth on the competition standings.

"A draw just sucks. I think we blew a win. We've been making the same mistakes in critical moments."

Simpson also lamented that extra time is only available in the finals series as her side remain winless and at the foot of the eight-team table.

"I couldn't be prouder of this group," she said.

"We've had setback after setback and they way we've continued to rally ... it took a lot of heart."

Australian international Gretel Tippett led the Firebirds by nailing 35 of her 36 attempts but ultimately fellow shooter Abigail Latu-Meafou drew the Firebirds level to negate another prolific effort from Jamaica's Jhaniele Fowler (55/60).

Their second draw of the campaign was some consolation for the Firebirds who have had to contend with injuries to star shooter Romelda Aiken, Mahalia Cassidy and Kim Jenner.

Those absences have made it difficult for the Firebirds to generate momentum but they responded well to adversity on Saturday, Gabi Simpson leading the way after missing out on Australia's World Cup squad.

Simpson's spirit was an infectious influence on defensive partner Tara Hinchliffe who forced a sequence of errors from the Fever in the opening quarter.

A deflection and a flying intercept from Simpson helped the Firebirds stretch their advantage out to six goals during the first half but Fowler eventually slipped into the groove.