Leading by five points at halftime and by as much as eight midway through the third term, the Firebirds couldn’t hold on for back-to-back Suncorp Super Netball wins as the Vixens powered home in Saturday’s clash.
A third-quarter collision which forced centre Macy Gardner from the court with a wrist injury changed the nature of the contest, with the Vixens scoring a whopping 25 points to 14 in the final term to surge to the win.
Head Coach Bec Bulley stuck with the same starting seven that began last weekend’s ANZAC Round win over Giants Netball but I was the Vixens who led 17-15 at the end of the first term.
The Firebirds however took control of the game in the second quarter, a 5-0 run right at the end of the period ensuring they won the term by seven points and held a five goal advantage at the main break.
That surged to eight points after a fast start to the second half before Gardner’s injury.
Forced into a midcourt reshuffle, the Firebirds lost the momentum of the match as Melbourne’s Diamond-powered middle including Australia captain Liz Watson and Kate Moloney took hold of the game.
Chasing the game in the final term, the Firebirds made a number of costly errors in possession as the Vixens pulled further ahead to claim their fourth win of the season.
Donnell Wallam continued her fine recent form with 53 goals from 58 attempts including two Suncorp Super Shots.
Gardner, who made a brave return to the court in the fourth quarter before coming off again, finished the game with four deflections, two gains and seven feeds.
Ruby Bakewell-Doran also provided some excellent defensive plays including six gains and four interceptions.
The Firebirds host Collingwood next Saturday in the two clubs’ annual Pride Clash.
