The Lorna Jane Queensland Firebirds are still searching for their first win of the season after going down to the GWS Giants 61-69.
The tough contest had some shining moments of brilliance for the Firebirds, with Gretel Tippett shooting 100% for the second game in a row, injured Captain Gabi Simpson returning to the court to the delight of the home crowd, and debutante Maddie Hinchliffe taking the court for the first time.
The Giants started strong in the physical contest, starting with an early turnover. Both teams settled into the first quarter, going goal for goal for much of the first term. The Firebirds were hungry for ball, getting tips and touches but not able to convert into a lead.
Kim Jenner replacement Maddie Hinchliffe made her debut in the purple dress midway through the first quarter, with the #twinchliffe sisters on court in purple together for the first time. Aiken took a leaf out of Tippetts book with a layup goal falling out of court, showing flair and connection from both shooters.
The Giants put their foot down in the second quarter, showing quick ball movement in attack and physical defence. Caitlin Bassett came out strong, shooting 23 of her 50 goals in the first half. The Giants took the second bonus point of the match, and headed in to the half time break up by 5 goals.
Kiera Austin entered the court for the Giants in the third quarter, with Kim Green headed to the bench. Simpson carried on her fiery defence, with the crowd support behind her tenacious attack on the ball. A physical third quarter, the bodies were on the line and on the court, and the passion for the ball high on both sides.
Maddie Hinchliffe entered the court again, playing out the second half of the third quarter and showing the promise and netball talent our young Queenslanders are bringing to the game. The Firebirds full court defence was stifling in the final quarter, in their quest to take out the last bonus point of the match.
In her third steal of the game, Laura Clemesha took a flying intercept late in the last quarter to the delight of the home crowd, spurring them on to bring the quarter score to a draw. The Giants also stepped up to the pressure, eventually taking the last quarter by one and also the final bonus point.
In a physical game, the Firebirds came away with 19 deflections to the Giants 8, and were just unable to convert the turnovers into a win.
The Lorna Jane Queensland Firebirds will take on the Adelaide Thunderbirds next weekend in Adelaide, on Sunday 26th of May at 3pm, live on Telstra TV. Their next home game is Saturday 1st June against the West Coast Fever, tickets available through firebirds.net.au.
Score breakdown
Q1: Firebirds 14 v GIANTS 15
Q2: Firebirds 14 v GIANTS 18
Q3: Firebirds 17 v GIANTS 19
Q4: Firebirds 16 v GIANTS 17
Suncorp Super Netball Premiership Points
Firebirds – 0
GIANTS – 8
Nissan Player of the Match – Kim Green
Firebirds shooting statistics
Romelda Aiken – 20/28 (71.4%)
Gretel Tippett – 41/41 (100%)
GIANTS shooting statistics
Caitlin Bassett – 50/57 (60%)
Jo Harten – 12/20 (77%)
Kiera Austin – 7/9 (77.8%)
