The Mission Queensland Firebirds stumbled for the second week in a row, going down to the Adelaide Thunderbirds at ETSA Park on Sunday, 53-51. Craigie Mac reports.
The Firebirds started the game with a relatively untested line-up and the scoreboard suggested this was their undoing as the Thunderbirds put on a clinical display, in particular in the last seven minutes, in which the Thunderbirds scored 11-2, taking the quarter 17-9.
Coach Roselee Jenke introduced Amy Steel into the defensive line up, at the expense of Keirra Trompf, and brought on Nova’s favourite Sarah Wall into wing attack for the second quarter.
The quarter was a better one for Queensland, even though the lead stretched as far as 11 goals at one stage, by half time they trailed by seven.
The third quarter was tighter as the Firebirds fought to close the gap but a last surge from the Thunderbirds saw the margin finish the quarter as it had began.
The last quarter, however, became a race against the clock, as our girls turned up the heat and clawed their way back into the match.
In the end, they were beaten by the clock as they fell just two goals short, and were left contemplating the tragic start to the match.
If we weren’t playing do or die netball before, we certainly are now. The girls will have to pull out all stops and finish the season with a wet sail, if they are to have any chance of making the finals this year.
Sarah Wall’s teammates of the match:
3 points – Laura Geitz
2 points – Romelda Aiken
1 point – Lauren Nourse
:
Craigie Mac’s player of the match
Laura Geitz – Once again proving to be the solid last line of defence, against a tough shooter, she was outstanding.
Craigie Mac’s benchwarmer of the match:
Sarah Wall – A tough choice as both Amy Steel and Sarah 'Sparkles' Wall were exceptional when they came on, but what can I say? I might be a little biased.
GALLERY: Firebirds lose by two to Thunderbirds
Comments