Firebirds, Lightning share honours
THE first Queensland derby in the new Super Netball competition has ended in a draw between the Queensland Firebirds in their season opener against the Sunshine Coast Lightning.
The Firebirds, last year’s transTasman champions, managed to salvage a 56-56 result last night at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.
After being down 29-24 at halftime and by as many as seven points early in the final quarter, the Fire- birds levelled with four minutes remaining and seven seconds were on the clock when Romelda Aiken tied it up once more.
Caitlin Bassett’s accurate shooting proved key to the Lightning’s shock early lead as she nailed 23 perfect shots in the first half on her way to 48 from 52.
Aiken was less reliable, finishing with 38 from 50 but crucially held her nerve when it mattered most in the dying moments.