LIGHTNING HOPING TO STRIKE SOON

TWO rounds into the Super Netball season, champions Sunshine Coast Lightning are already feeling the heat.

A 55-52 loss to the Queensland Firebirds in a ferociouslycontested derby clash yesterday kept the Lightning winless before 6627 vocal fans at Brisbane Entertainment Centre.

Under the new points system, the Lightning collected a bonus point for winning yesterday’s first quarter 15-11, but the Firebirds came out blazing in the second quarter to claim a 31-24 halftime lead and were not headed as they opened their winning account for 2018.

Diamonds players Gabi Simpson and Tara Hinchliffe were good in defence for the Firebirds, setting the platform for the second-quarter rally.

“That was fearless netball and that’s what the Firebirds are about,” said Simpson.

SUPER NETBALL LADDER ROUND 2

Picture: AAP IMAGE Laura Scherian (left) of the Lightning goes for the ball against Gabi Simpson (right) of the Firebirds.