Chasing a win to secure third at the Super Netball Reserves finals weekend, the Firebirds Futures fought to the very end against the Swifts in a thrilling contest at Waverley Netball Centre but came up just short to lose 62-60.
After breaking out to a four-goal lead at the end of the first quarter, the Futures were pegged back in the second term as the Swifts piled on 20 points to take a three goal lead in at the main break.
Neither team could be separated in the third quarter with the match firmly in the balance heading into the final period.
Goaler Kirra Tappenden's late flurry of goals gave Queensland hope with the score at 59-58 with two minutes left on the clock.
But that just lead to another Swifts rally, meaning Tappenden's back-to-back goals to end the match weren't enough to overcome the deficit despite the Futures winning the quarter 15-14.
Tappenden would finish the game with 24 points while Elsa Sif Sandholt had 28 goals from goal shooter for the Futures while Lillyana Rennie continued her fine form at goalkeeper and Jess Laga'aia and Danielle Taylor led the way in the midcourt.
West Coast Fever Reserves claimed the Super Netball Reserves title, finishing the season undefeated with a 10-goal win over the Melbourne Mavericks on Sunday.
