Firebirds cautious of Lightning threat

PRIDE, bragging rights, finals berths and national selection.

There is plenty to play for tomorrow in Suncorp Super Netball’s “Sunshine Shootout” between the Queensland Firebirds and Sunshine Coast Lightning.

Australian Diamonds coach Lisa Alexander will be in the USC Stadium stands casting her eye over the Queensland derby that carries more weight than just points.

The sides met in Round 2 when the Firebirds claimed their first- ever win over the Lightning with a hard- fought 55- 52 victory at Boondall.

The Firebirds ( 5- 3) have moved into second place on the ladder heading into Round 9 and have shown some of the netball that made them a purple powerhouse in the old trans- Tasman league.

Take out a few fourth quar- eight competition ter flops on the road, and they would be sitting pretty on top of the ladder.

The fifth- placed Lightning ( 3- 4- 1) have endured more of a rollercoaster ride than their neighbours with three losses to open their title defence, threestraight wins up to the bye and a loss and a draw after the break.

If not for a competitionhigh tally of 20 bonus points, they would be losing touch with the top four with just six rounds nals.

Lightning star Caitlin Bassett said a fast start was vital for the home side.

“In this competition you can’t let the opposition get too much of a lead,” Bassett said.

“Firebirds have obviously got massive scoring power in their attacking end so ( defenders) Geva ( Mentor) and Karla ( Pretorius) have really got their job cut out for them this week. remaining before fi-

“We know we have to put four good quarters of netball together if we’re going to win.”

Firebirds defender Laura Clemesha said they needed to enjoy more success on the road if they wanted to be considered serious contenders.

“Ladder position means nothing unless we can start winning away from home …. The Lightning are dangerous at home. We know that from last season … so we’re definitely not complacent,” she said.