In the first of two matches being played against the Giants at the Queensland State Netball Centre, the Lorna Jane Queensland Firebirds got out to a blinding start, with their signature smothering defence resulting in a 5-0 lead to start the quarter.
Even a Giants time out couldn’t stop the Firebirds momentumas they pulled out all stops to race ahead, Gabi Simpson leading through the midcourt with strong attacking and connecting play. Heading into the quarter time break with a nine goal lead it was all smiles for the mighty Firebirds.
This momentum carried into the second quarter, the Firebirds scoring the first four goals and triggering another Giants time out. This did little to stop the flow of the game, Mahalia Cassidy showing a glimpse of what’s to come for her this season with smothering defence and an eye for the feed into the circle.
An intercept from Laura Clemesha gave the crowd yet another reason to cheer, rewarding the full court performance from the Firebirds. From Romelda Aiken in the shooting circle to the Firebirds circle defence, connections were firing in all thirds. Even after a goal on the buzzer from Jo Harten for the Giants, the half time score was an impressive 38-23 in favour of the Firebirds.
Jemma Mi Mi entered the court in the third quarter, bringing further speed and agility to an already fast paced match. Jo Harten continued to shoot well to try and bring the Giants back into the match, but the Firebirds continued their dominant run. Tara Hinchliffe came into her own, taking flying intercepts and being an integral role in bringing the ball down the court. Delighting members with their flair, the Firebirds went into three quarter time up 59-37.
The Giants found second wind in the final quarter, stepping up and pushing the Firebirds hard until the final whistle. An ankle injury to Maddie Hay late in the last quarter had little impact on the newfound Giants momentum. A long bomb from Jo Harten finished the match, the Giants winning the last quarter but losing the match 73-58.
The Firebirds will play the Giants again tomorrow morning in a closed pre-season match, the last in their prep for the Suncorp Super Netball Season. There is plenty for Firebirds fans to be excited about, and with less than one month to go until Round 1 it’s not long to wait to see our Firebirds back out on court. The first Firebirds home game is in Round 2, on the 4th May against #TeamGirls Cup champions the Collingwood Magpies.
Tickets for the Suncorp Super Netball season are currently on sale through Ticketek.
