WINLESS FIREBIRDS IN MORE PAIN
NETBALL: Queensland’s ‘annus horribilis’ painfully marched on yesterday as the Firebirds suffered an undisciplined 63-57 loss to the Giants at AIS Arena in Canberra.
In one of the ugliest games of the 2019 Super Netball season, a total of 149 penalties were called and 46 general play turnovers were committed by the two teams in the error-riddled and physical encounter.
The result leaves the winless Firebirds last on the ladder after 11 rounds, heading into their final home game against Adelaide this Sunday.
The Firebirds led at quartertime and half-time but the Giants exploded in the third term, 21-12 to establish a matchwinning cushion.
Firebirds goal attack Gretel Tippett suffered a suspected broken nose when she ran into Giants defender Kristiana Manu’a late in the game.
Blood immediately began pouring out of Tippett’s nose and onto the court and she was rushed off the floor to receive medical attention.
The Giants scored six unanswered goals after the resumption of play as a spectator reportedly fainted at the sight of the blood.
Tippett returned to the game and finished with 23 goals from 23 attempts but appeared to be affected by the blow with some uncharacteristic passes and fumbled balls.
Romelda Aiken hit 30 goals from 36 attempts while Giants duo Jo Harten (33/39) and Caitlin Bassett (30/32) weathered the physical storm from Queensland’s defenders.
Firebirds defender Kim Jenner was called for 32 of the 90 penalties conceded by Queensland — the most penalties called on a player in a game this season.