The Queensland Firebirds are keeping a positive mindset with three matches still to play despite a tough start to their team’s Suncorp Team Girls Cup campaign on Friday.
The Firebirds went down to a 51-33 defeat to the Adelaide Thunderbirds in the opening match of the pre-season tournament on the Gold Coast.
After fielding a full-strength starting seven in an encouraging first half, Bulley gave valuable court-time to new faces such as Ash Unie and Emily Moore as well as training partners Isabelle Shearer and Leesa Mi Mi in the third and fourth quarters.
Those inexperienced combinations were unable to match the Thunderbirds with Jamaican defensive duo Shamera Sterling and Latanya Wilson both playing strong matches for the South Australians.
The Firebirds began the game brightly with Donnell Wallam getting the early edge on Sterling in their personal duel before the first Suncorp Super Shot of the game to Mia Stower ensured Queensland held a 13-10 lead heading into the second term.
Queensland held onto that advantage until the dying seconds of the second term when Eleanor Cardwell’s Suncorp Super Shot put the Thunderbirds in front for the first time with less than a minute to go in the half.
Bulley withdrew captain Kim Ravaillion as well as Lara Dunkley, Gabi Simpson, Ruby Bakewell-Doran and Stower for the third term with Macy Gardner joining Unie, Moore, Shearer and Mi Mi on the court.
Wallam finished the match with an impressive 19 goals from 20 attempts, sitting out the final term as Stower returned to combine with Moore up front.
Defender Remi Kamo with two intercepts and three deflections was also a standout for the Firebirds while Bakewell-Doran notched four deflections in a gutsy defensive performance.
The match was also a chance for both teams to highlight their inclusive uniform options from Valour Sports’ ONE TEAM range.
The Firebirds’ continue their Team Girls Cup on Saturday, taking on the GWS Giants at 2pm before facing the Melbourne Vixens at 7pm with finals to be played on Sunday.
Fans can watch every game of the Suncorp Team Girls Cup live and ad-free on Fox Sports, available on Foxtel and Kayo Freebies.
Those wishing to attend the matches can purchase tickets and redeem free tickets for children 14 years and younger here. Please note one free ticket will need to be redeemed per child for access to the venue.
THE BIRDIES ARE BACK! Tickets are now on sale via Ticketek for the 2023 Suncorp Super Netball season. Don’t miss a minute of the action and secure your seat now.
