The opening match of the 2019 Suncorp Super Netball did not disappoint, with the Firebirds rushing out of the blocks at the speed of light. However, the Vixens put together a ruthless final three quarters, finishing well and truly on top to claim a 73-61 victory.
It couldn’t have been a further picture in the opening quarter, the incredibly exciting defensive duo of Tara Hinchliffe and Kim Jenner coming out of the gates with enormous gusto, both sharing turnover spoils.
With their scoring speed and full court defence, the Firebirds raced out to an early 7-1 lead, forcing the Vixens to call a tactical timeout just four minutes into the game.
The Vixens slowly moved their way through the deficit after the timeout, but could only reel it back to four by the first break, giving the Firebirds the first bonus point of the season.
The second quarter was far more evenly placed, with the Vixens capitalizing on careless errors and wayward balls from the Firebirds, not giving an inch in return to the away team. The strength of their connections all the way down the court showing why they are a serious contender for the 2019 premiership, drawing scores level five minutes out from half time.
With scores still locked up entering the second half the Firebirds made one short lived change, Laura Clemesha coming into the contest in the place of heavily penalized Goal Keeper Tara Hinchliffe.
It was a poor start to the period though for the Firebirds, ill-discipline and offensive contacts putting them five points down. Coach Roselee Jencke calling the first tactical timeout of the second half just five minutes in.
Changes came, the purple unit looking for a way to stem the Vixens growing momentum. Mahalia Cassidy making way for Jemma Mi Mi at Centre, and Hinchliffe returning to the court for Clemesha.
Little could be done to phase the Vixens, taking every change up in their stride and moving forward with the job at hand.
Flawless shooting from Caitlin Thwaites pushed them further ahead, the Melbourne side scoring seven of the last ten goals of the penultimate quarter and heading into the final break with a commanding 55-48 lead.
It was going to take a huge lift from the Queenslanders to edge away at the margin, and Tara Hinchliffe put her hand up for the task. Her two critical turnovers in the early minutes weren’t enough to spark the Firebirds into gear.
Frustrations clearly creeping into the purple camp, poor ball handling and regular turnovers plaguing their play whenever they looked like gathering any momentum.
A rare change up at the shooting end saw Amy Sommerville enter the game in her debut run for the Firebirds with Romelda Aiken seeing out the game on the bench.
Nothing was going to stop the Vixens who well and truly clicked into top gear by the final quarter, in the end easily taking the match and three bonus points.
The Firebirds will head home to regroup before taking on the Suncorp #TeamGirls Cup champions the Collingwood Magpies on May 4 at the Queensland State Netball Centre.
Queensland Firebirds Starting Seven
GS – Romelda Aiken GA – Gretel Tippett WA – Caitlyn Nevins C – Mahalia Cassidy WD – Gabi Simpson GD – Kim Jenner GK – Tara Hinchliffe
Melbourne Vixens Starting Seven
GS – Caitlin Thwaites GA – Tegan Philip WA – Liz Watson C – Kate Moloney WD – Renae Ingles GD – Jo Weston GK – Emily Mannix
Shooting Statistics
Lorna Jane Queensland Firebirds
Gretel Tippett 23/24 (96%)
Romelda Aiken 36/42 (85%)
Amy Sommerville 2/2 (100%)
Melbourne Vixens
Tegan Philip 23/24 (96%)
Caitlin Thwaites 50/51 (98%)
Bonus Points
Q1: Vixens 15 v Firebirds 19
Q2: Vixens 20 v Firebirds 16
Q3: Vixens 20 v Firebirds 13
Q4: Vixens 18 v Firebirds 13
