Despite a stellar first-half and holding a 10-goal lead during the third quarter, the Firebirds were unable to prevent a fast-finishing Lightning from running out 66-60 winners in both clubs’ final match of the 2023 season.
Desperate to reclaim the Queensland Cup and end the season on a winning note, the Firebirds came out firing on enemy territory charging to a four-goal lead before the Lightning had got on the scoreboard.
Some strong defensive plays by Remi Kamo helped steady the contest as the Lightning clawed their way back into the match but just after Lightning captain Steph Wood’s Suncorp Super Shot had levelled the scores, Emily Moore’s own two-pointer ensured the Firebirds held an 18-16 lead at the first break.
Donnell Wallam, despite spending the week battling illness, scored a trademark lay-up in the highlight of the second quarter as the Firebirds stretched their lead to 37-31 at the main break, with Wallam ending the half with four Suncorp Super Shots to her name.
Australian international Wood returned after suffering a cut to her face late in the second quarter but the Firebirds were on top early in the third, stretching their advantage to 10 points.
The momentum of the match then swung as the Lightning surged back into the contest with scores level heading into the final term.
A nine-goal run early in the fourth quarter put the hosts in control as they opened up a healthy lead with a flurry of late Suncorp Super Shots by Wallam unable to claw back the advantage before time ran out.
Wallam ended the game with eight Suncorp Super Shots on her way to 51 points while Kamo was sensational against the Lightning’s international attacking duo of Wood and Cara Koenen.
The first-year defender ended the match with 79 Nissan Net Points, six gains, five deflections and three rebounds.
The defeat means the Firebirds end the year with four wins from their 14 matches in Head Coach Bec Bulley’s first term at the helm.
