Firebirds keep finals hopes alive

The Queensland Firebirds have kept their slim finals chances alive after an emphatic 63-43 win over the West Coast Fever in Brisbane today.

After both the NSW Swifts and Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic both notched up big wins in this round, it was important for the Firebirds to win by as big a margin as possible.

Queensland showed plenty of patience early and although they traded several turnovers throughout the first quarter, the Firebirds got the better of the quarter, leading 14-11 at the first break. Romelda Aiken showed some gritty defence and a cool head, taking several intercepts in the attack end and making several smart decisions with the ball in hand.

The second quarter continued in the same ilk as the first. Both teams continued to give up some simple turnovers and it took some time for the Firebirds to capitalize on their opportunities.

Midway through the quarter, the lead had extended to six goals. Although the Firebirds had chances to extend even further, some simple mistakes cost them and by halftime the margin remained six, Firebirds leading 28-22.

The Firebirds opened up the game in the third quarter, turning on the pressure and starting to make each turnover count. Goal Attack Natalie Medhurst took control of the shooting duties, shooting 13 from 14 for the quarter.

Midway through the period the lead was out to nine goals, however a flurry during the final three minutes saw the lead skip out to 13 goals, Firebirds ahead 44-31 at the final change.

Queensland opted to replace Chelsea Pitman with captain Lauren Nourse at wing attack, with desired effect. The Firebirds began to run away with the game and with just over four minutes on the clock, the margin had blown out to 20 goals and the outcome sealed.

The resulting margin has given the Firebirds the slightest chance of a finals berth, however they must beat the Magic in New Zealand by more than 20 goals whilst the Swifts must lose for Queensland to be the first team to make finals after winning the championship in the previous season.

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