Swifts win hard-fought contest over Firebirds

It was a match up between first and fourth on the ladder, as the Sydney Swifts travelled to Brisbane to take on the surprise packet of the 2006 season, the Queensland Firebirds.

In a physical and hard fought match, the final score favoured the Swifts 50–36, however the fourteen goal margin wasn’t a true indication of how closely the Firebirds had matched the competition leaders.

Both teams struggled to find their flow in the early stages of the game, with neither team registering a goal until three minutes into the quarter. Both attacking ends were guilty of numerous unforced errors and turnovers, with the Swifts failing to score their second goal until midway through the quarter.

An injury time out was the catalyst for a Swifts revival, with their shooters coming out of the break with more composure. Swifts captain and goal Keeper (GK) Liz Ellis tried to inspire her team with some intercepts and deflections, however these were matched by Firebirds captain and goal defence (GD) Peta Stephens, who was in scintillating form for the home team. After a low scoring first quarter, the Swifts went to the first break leading 11–6.

The Firebirds introduced towering goal shooter (GS) Joanne Morgan for the second quarter. The initial results of this move were unsuccessful, as Morgan appeared intimidated by long time rival Ellis, and struggled to find her range in goals.

Morgan wasn’t the only shooter struggling though, with Swifts shooter Catherine Cox not liking the physical attention being paid to her by the Firebirds defence. Swifts goal defence (GD) Mo’onia Gerrard provided good drive down court, however the Swifts struggled to penetrate their goal circle, as the strong defence of Firebirds defenders Stephens and Mel McKenzie provided numerous opportunities for the home team.

Most of these opportunities were wasted, as the Firebirds struggled to convert, allowing the Swifts to take a 25–14 lead into the half time break.

Carla Dziwoki re-entered the game at goal attack (GA) for the Firebirds in the third quarter, making a positive impact, as she shot with accuracy and confidence. The Swifts also introduced Vanessa Ware at wing attack (WA) in an attempt to improve their stilted attacking end.

The Swifts continued to struggle, as Stephens played an inspirational role in defence for the Firebirds, exciting the crowd with her intercepts and deflections. The Firebirds circle defence were well supported by midcourters Jenny O’Connor and Amanda Lucas, who were tireless with their midcourt pressure, and were often rewarded with tips and intercepts.

The Firebirds went on to match the Swifts all over the court, only losing the quarter by three goals.

In the final quarter the Swifts were finally able to find some clear passages into their circle, however these were matched by the Firebirds, who were also boasting a much improved shooting circle, thanks to the movement and accuracy of Dziwoki.

The final quarter was an equal affair, as both teams recorded twelve goals, however inaccuracy had cost the Firebirds dearly in the first part of the game, when the Swifts had opened up an unassailable lead.

While the Firebirds didn’t win the game, their performance would have won them a lot of fans, with their fearless attitude and brilliant defence a highlight of their performance.

They will head into next week’s contest with the Melbourne Kestrels full of confidence, while the Swifts will be looking for an improved performance when they travel to Perth to play the Perth Orioles.

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