In a see-sawing contest in front of 2328 fans at the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre it was the Lightning who finished strongest to retain the cup with an eight point win.
The Lightning burst out of the gate, establishing a six-goal lead with former Firebird Donnell Wallam hitting the target from the outset before a pattern for the evening was set with the Firebirds rallying to level the scores at 9-all going into the first Power 5.
Neither team could land a Suncorp Super Shot in the opening term but it was the Lightning who finished the quarter with a four-point lead.
New Firebirds recruit Maddy Gordon stood tall in midcourt, the Silver Fern forcing multiple turnovers in the second quarter as the Firebirds stormed back into the contest.
Queensland hit the lead for the first time with six minutes to go in the quarter, going on to win the stanza 17-12 and hold a one-point lead at the break.
The introduction of Australian Diamonds shooter Cara Koenen sparked the Lightning as they reclaimed the lead in the third quarter.
On two occasions the Lightning pulled away to a four-point lead only for the Firebirds to claw the margin back but a goal by new recruit Gabby Sinclair ensured the Lightning went into the final quarter with a three-goal lead.
The contest didn't wane in the fourth term as every time the Lightning pulled away, the Firebirds fought back, but when Emily Moore was called for held ball attempting a Suncorp Super Shot, the Lightning pounced to extend their lead to a match-winning six point margin despite Te Paea Selby-Rickit hitting the only two-pointer of the game.
