Firebirds record first win of season

The Queensland Firebirds ended a long run of consecutive losses stretching back to last season after they defeated the Melbourne Kestrels 56-50 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre last night.

Long considered the cellar dwellers of the Commonwealth Bank Trophy, the Firebirds played some inspired netball to overcome a more fancied Kestrels outfit.

The first half saw some attacking netball played by both sides, but it was the Kestrels who lead at the main break 37-26.

Second half was where the Firebirds play some determined netball, as the Kestrels continued to apply plenty of pressure and it only came down to the final minutes where a famous victory was sealed.

Firebirds goal shooter Joanne Morgan shot 28 goals from 32 attempts at 88% accuracy, while Carla Dziwoki provided good support with 13/16 at 81%. Belinda Dever played a full game at goal attack to record the figures of 15/22 at 68%.

For the Kestrels, Bianca Franklin (19/22 at 86%) continues to perform creditably after moving to Victoria from the AIS in Canberra. Caitlin Thwaites (30/36 at 83%) and Andrea Booth (11/18 at 61%) were the other two goalers used by coach Jane Searle.

Best on court for the Firebirds were defensive duo Melanie McKenzie and Keira Trompf, doing a sterling job to restrict the Kestrels forward pack at different times during the match.

Kestrels defender Narelle Garbutt was best on court at goal defence, with some inspirational turnovers in an attempt to ensure her team wasn’t beaten.

Firebirds coach Vicki Wilson was emotional after the match and tears could be clearly seen running down her cheeks as her players showed plenty of emotion at overcoming a dismal record.

Next week sees the Firebirds taking on the in form Adelaide Thunderbirds at Chandler Arena on Friday night and the Kestrels host the Hunter Jaegers in the first game of a double header at Vodafone Arena on Sunday afternoon.

•  Have a view on this story? Send us your feedback!