Netball: Firebirds stun Swifts

Natalie Medhurst. Photo / Getty Images

The Queensland Firebirds upset the NSW Swifts 51-48 in the trans-Tasman championship netball match at the Brisbane Convention Centre on Monday night.

Desperate for a maiden finals finish in the fourth season of the competition, the Firebirds showed much promise for 2011.

Queensland's international goalers Natalie Medhurst and Romelda Aiken starred under extreme pressure during the final term.

In front of one of their smallest home crowds, after the match was delayed by wild weather in Brisbane, the Firebirds led by two at the final change and only crucial turnovers by goal keeper Laura Geitz ensured they grabbed the lead back in the final six minutes.

Having thumped defending champions Adelaide Thunderbirds by 20 goals in last weekend's first round and not lost a regular season match since 2009, the star-studded Swifts were a tough opening-match gauge for the Queenslanders.

The Firebirds, who had a first-round bye, started the better and had a 13-8 lead late in the opening quarter before the Swifts pegged them back to 14-11 at the first break.

With their midcourt gaining some ascendancy, NSW shifted into gear in the second term and grabbed the lead just before halftime when Mo'onia Gerrard latched on to a loose pass and the visitors grabbed a 27-25 advantage.

Firebirds coach Roselee Jencke made two key second-half changes which worked wonders with reactivated former Kestrels centre Liz McLeod and wing defence Clare McMeniman, surprisingly benched at the start, adding spark.

Swifts counterpart Julie Fitzgerald was made to pay for her decision to rest Diamonds defender Gerrard as the Firebirds won the pivotal term 13-9.

Aiken finished with a game-high 28 goals but Medhurst had the best radar, shooting 23 at 88 per cent, including numerous long bombs.

Swifts duo Catherine Cox and Susan Pratley finished with 27 and 21 respectively with Cox missing two consecutive long shots in the final two minutes which proved vital.

Medhurst labelled it a crucial victory for the Firebirds, who were left to rue a number of close losses in 2010 which ultimately cost them a play-off berth, finishing fifth for a third straight year.

"We were very disappointed with our performance last season and we wanted to start off really well and stamp some sort of authority on the competition and show that we are worthy of finals," the Australian goal attack said.

"For us to win those close ones as well is important as that's where we really fell down last year losing games by one or two goals.

"For us to beat a quality side like the Swifts, who most people were predicting would win the competition, in our first game will really boost our confidence."

- AAP