3 minute read
Fresh from a painful one-goal loss, the Queensland Firebirds have held their nerve to beat the Adelaide Thunderbirds 54-53 in their Super Netball clash.
The Queensland Firebirds have survived a dramatic late comeback to record a thrilling 54-53 Super Netball victory over the Adelaide Thunderbirds.
The Thunderbirds recovered from nine goals down at halftime to hit the front with five minutes remaining on Sunday at Nissan Arena, leaving the home side in danger of another tough defeat following their heartbreaking midweek one-goal loss to the Giants.
But Queensland kept their cool in the closing moments with rookie goaler Tippah Dwan scoring the matchwinner as the Firebirds claimed their second victory of the season.
Both sides struggled to find their attacking flow in the fourth quarter, won 11-8 by Adelaide, but key intercepts from captain Gabi Simpson and Kim Jenner helped deliver the Firebirds enough opportunities to win it at the death.
"That last two minutes was a complete blur," defender Tara Hinchliffe said.
"We just had to have composure, that was our word for the game and I think it showed in that last 60 seconds of mayhem - I just didn't want it down my end."
The Firebirds remain in seventh spot but will head into Wednesday's clash with West Coast Fever full of confidence having beaten the West Australian club in round six.
An uncharacteristic miss from Lenize Potgieter on her first goal attempt handed the Firebirds an opportunity to gain the early advantage and they capitalised with a near faultless display, committing just two turnovers to stun Adelaide with a 20-12 opening quarter.
The Thunderbirds looked more composed at the start of the second period but fortune appeared to be favouring Queensland when midcourter Mahalia Cassidy's lofted circle feed dropped through the goal, allowing Romelda Aiken to collect the live ball unopposed to score.
Georgie Horjus continued to shine for Adelaide with a pair of super shots but it was not enough to prevent the Firebirds edging further ahead with a 34-25 halftime lead.
The visitors made their move in the third quarter with six of the first eight goals, Maisie Nankivell starring from wing defence with three intercepts as Queensland's lead dwindled down to two.
But Dwan held her nerve to sink a super shot after the siren to leave the match delicately poised at 46-42 heading into the final quarter.
Adelaide clawed their way into the lead as the match ticked into the final Power Five period but a series of errors proved costly, none more so than Nankivell handing possession to the Firebirds after placing the ball on the court on her free pass.
The mistake allowed the Firebirds to swoop on the ball with Aiken going on to level the scores with 90 seconds to play.
The loss leaves the Thunderbirds in sixth spot with a crucial clash with the Sunshine Coast Lightning in Brisbane on Wednesday before they return to Adelaide to host three games.
