The NSW Swifts have suffered a major blow to their hopes of back-to-back Super Netball premierships, the Queensland Firebirds inflicting a third straight loss on the reigning premiers with a hard-fought 73-60 win in Brisbane on Saturday night.
The loss leaves the Swifts with only two wins from seven games, leaving them mired at the bottom of the table halfway through the season.
Coming off a shock loss to the then bottom-placed Magpies, the Firebirds also had plenty to prove in a game billed as a “State of Origin” clash between Queensland and NSW.
Helen Housby is despondent after the NSW Swifts’ third loss on the bounce.Credit:Getty
The Swifts looked to be the first to adjust to the frenetic pace of the game, shooting to a four-goal lead courtesy of two strong intercepts from Helen Housby. But a few costly turnovers allowed the Firebirds to level the scores, and a Donnell Wallam goal right on the buzzer gave the home team a slender one-goal lead going into quarter time.
Swifts coach Briony Akle has made no secret about wanting her team to move the ball more directly to Housby and Fawns in their new-look attack end, but there were times in the first half where the Swifts overran or fumbled the ball under heavy Firebirds pressure.
The Swifts had 19 general play turnovers to the Firebirds 16 in a scrappy first half, but the home side were more clinical in attack and extended their lead to eight goals going into the main break.
The game cleaned up in the second half as the Swifts and Firebirds traded goals to start the third quarter. The Firebirds’ fierce pressure was epitomised by a commanding performance from youngster Ruby Bakewell-Doran in defence, while Bueta and Wallam quietly piled on the goals at the other end.
Ruby Bakewell-Doran (centre) is swamped by teammates after being named player of the match.Credit:Getty
Housby desperately tried to pull her team back into the contest with four super shots in the final five minutes of the third, but the Swifts defenders struggled to contain Wallam and Bueta as the Firebirds extended their lead to 13 goals, giving the Swifts a mountain to climb going into the last quarter.
Strike three: Swifts’ premiership defence hurt by loss to Firebirds
Source: Philippines Alive
