The Queensland Firebirds have produced their best performance of the 2020 Suncorp Super Netball campaign to date in a hard-fought defeat to the Collingwood Magpies.
The home side led for much of the match off the back of their best defensive display so far this season, before a 15-9 final quarter from the Magpies sealed victory for the visitors.
Queensland Firebirds Head Coach Roselee Jencke was pleased with the improvement from her side.
“Obviously we are disappointed not to win but we’ve worked hard since the last game on our second phase and providing more options and I thought that translated tonight to us playing with great control for the majority of the match,” Jencke said.
“As a group they took ownership for the previous performance and the fact it certainly didn’t meet the standards we expect in this competition, so it was really pleasing to see them bring a far better work rate and intensity tonight.”
Defenders Tara Hinchliffe and Kim Jenner were reunited in the circle with the move paying immediate dividends for the Firebirds, as the familiar pairing had the Magpies’ shooters constantly looking over their shoulder.
Jenner in particular was a force to be reckoned with in the defensive third, finishing the game with 2 rebounds, 5 deflections and 5 intercepts.
Jencke praised the defensive duo for their return to form.
“It was good to see them get back into some form and have that belief in their combination again.”
“They both got rid of some shackles that had been holding them back and it was really pleasing to see them play with freedom tonight.”
The Firebirds now switch their focus to Saturday’s Round 4 clash, with their game against GIANTS netball to headline another Suncorp Super Netball double header at Nissan Arena.
