A spirited fightback from the Queensland Firebirds fell short in a brave effort against finals-bound Sunshine Coast Lightning in the second Queensland derby of the season, losing 64-66. It was a relatively even match in the opening minutes with both sides going goal for goal before Sunshine Coast struck first going on a four-goal run to claim an early buffer and set the tone for the rest of the game.

The Lightning had a new look attacking end with Cara Koenen getting the nod at goal shooter ahead of Ugandan shooting sensation Peace Proscovia. Koenen proved a huge challenge in the goal circle with her impeccable footwork, strong holds and composure to take the hit and release the ball under pressure. Both Tara Hinchliffe and Kim Jenner struggled to maintain and limit the opportunities of Koenen under the post who used her dynamic movement and aerial skill to create space in the circle slotting 11 goals straight in the term. Partner-in-crime Steph Wood, found her groove early on shooting from long range and sweeping across the circle to claim possession while also applying strong defensive pressure picking up a timely intercept. With the Lightning attacking end firing on all cylinders Queensland struggled to have the same fluidity with Lenize Potgieter well and truly covered by South African teammate Phumza Maweni. Potgieter only managed four goals from her five attempts with Gretel Tippett doing a wealth of work across the court to shoulder the load with nine goals at 100 percent.

After slotting a massive 18 goals in the first term the Lightning looked to build on their five goal lead with the Firebirds unable to stand up under the immense pressure. Lightning were strong across the court with Laura Langman and Laura Scherian dominating in the attacking third. The Silver Ferns gold medallist showcased her sheer class and endurance running rings around Erin Burger and delivering bullet passes into Koenen and Wood throughout the quarter. Her smooth movement and ability to transition from attack to defence impressed while Scherian stood up, working hard at the centre pass. With both Scherian and Langman finding good space on the circle edge it was near on impossible for the Firebirds to quell the influence of the goalers under the post who capitalised on their opportunities, only missing two goals for the opening half. The Firebirds put in the hard yards and reverted to their old ways bringing on fan favourite Romelda Aiken who made an immediate impact in the goal circle. The Jamaican goal shooter provided a commanding presence under the post with her height and athleticism unrivalled by Maweni and Karla Pretorius who lacked the extra centimetres. Hot off the World Cup, Aiken showcased her hot hand nailing 10 goals straight while the combination between her and Tippett started to cause headaches for the Lightning defence. Although it was an improved effort by Queensland, the Lightning were unfazed edging out to a seven-goal lead.

The third quarter proved hard for both sides with the ball bobbing up and down the court credit to the defensive pressure applied but with the Firebirds hoping to peg back the margin Roselee Jencke brought on experienced goal keeper Laura Clemesha. Though Koenen still found the net with ease converting 11 goals, Clemesha put in the hard yards working tirelessly to try and get around the body and apply good hands over pressure while her connection with Jenner steadily improved throughout the quarter. That was not the only change with Jemma Mi Mi coming on to replace Caitlyn Nevins who struggled to penetrate through the defence and find good feeding positions. Mi Mi injected good speed into the attacking end for the Firebirds with her quick hands and well weighted passes into Tippett and Aiken proving crucial to keep her side on level pegging with the Lightning. Both sides could not be split scoring 16 goals apiece with Koenen once again showcasing her dominance under the post.

In her hundredth national league game captain Gabi Simpson lifted her intensity to spur her side into action. Her athleticism and willingness to get hands to ball kept the Firebirds in it, with timely deflections while her drive through the midcourt saw her rack up two goal assists credit to her impressive vision and pin point passes. Proscovia made her way onto the court for the Lightning nailing three goals while Wood stepped up her game in the goal circle commanding the ball and shooting truly with eight goals from nine attempts. But the Firebirds gathered momentum and almost claimed the unthinkable going on multiple three and two goal runs credit to the lift in defensive pressure and quick transition down the court. The connection between Tippett and Aiken proved hard to stop once they got into a groove while Jencke’s daughter Macy Gardner made her Suncorp Super Netball debut and did not disappoint, immediately into the thick of things. The centre worked hard both ways and found good space to rack up seven feeds and four goal assists. But in the end it was too little, too late for the Firebirds who simply did not have enough time to conquer the Lightning.

STARTING LINE-UP:

QUEENSLAND FIREBIRDS:

GS | Lenize Potgieter
GA | Gretel Tippett
WA | Caitlyn Nevins
C | Erin Burger
WD | Gabi Simpson
GD | Kim Jenner
GK | Tara Hinchliffe

SUNSHINE COAST LIGHTNING:

GS | Cara Koenen
GA | Steph Wood
WA | Laura Scherian
C | Laura Langman
WD | Madeline McAuliffe
GD | Karla Pretorius
GK | Phumza Maweni