Thunderbirds hold on

By Charlie McKay

Adelaide Thunderbirds have bounced back after two consecutive losses, defeating Queensland Firebirds 62-53 at Nissan Arena on Saturday night.

Despite their healthy head-to-head record against the reigning premiers, the Firebirds were unable to replicate last year’s sensational home victory over the Thunderbirds this time around.

It was a milestone match, with Firebirds defender Ruby Bakewell-Doran notching up 50 games and Thunderbirds skipper Hannah Petty celebrating her 100th cap.

Abigail Latu-Meafou made her first Firebirds appearance in six years as a temporary replacement player for Tippah Dwan, who missed the game due to a knee complaint.  

Thunderbirds shooter Romelda Aiken-George had a shaky start against her former club, managing just 4/9 attempts at 44 per cent accuracy in the opening term.

At the other end, Mary Cholhok was rock-solid under the post, capitalising on confident feeds from the Firebirds’ midcourt.

The home side looked sharper early, pushing out to a five-goal lead.

The first Power Five turned into a shootout. Lauren Frew kept the Thunderbirds in touch with 3/3 from distance, but Firebirds’ Emily Moore responded with two super shots of her own.

Firebirds took a 19-17 lead into quarter time.

The Thunderbirds responded swiftly, opening the second quarter with a 5–0 run against the home side.

They attacked the ball with intent and capitalised on defensive gains.

Stalwart Georgie Horjus brought composure to the attacking end, while Aiken-George lifted her accuracy under the post.

At the other end, Matilda Garrett made an impact in the unfamiliar role of goal keeper, as the Thunderbirds continued to refine their new-look defensive unit in the absence of Shamera Sterling-Humphrey.

They claimed the second quarter 16–11 and headed into half-time with a 33–30 lead.

Thunderbirds edged ahead in the third term, though momentum continued to swing with a flurry of gains and turnovers from both sides.

Firebirds clawed their way back, converting their defensive wins at a higher rate to stay within striking distance.

In a low-scoring quarter, the Thunderbirds held on to take a 45–41 lead into the final break.

Firebirds came out firing in the final term, with Latu-Meafou injecting energy in attack.

The home side reduced the deficit to within a single goal, igniting the Nissan Arena crowd.

But a timely and impassioned Thunderbirds time out shifted the momentum once more, and the defending premiers regrouped to close out the match 62-53. 

With six intercepts and ten gains, Thunderbirds defender Latanya Wilson was crowned MVP.

Firebirds will hit the road next week to face the Mavericks, while the Thunderbirds return to Adelaide for a blockbuster clash against a red-hot Fever outfit.