Swifts victorious in state tussle

By Rosie Gale

In a thrilling state versus state clash at Ken Rosewall Arena, the NSW Swifts have secured a hard-fought four-point victory over the Queensland Firebirds.

The spotlight was firmly on Romelda Aiken-George as the Swifts' sharpshooter faced off against her former team, the Queensland Firebirds, in a highly anticipated rivalry match and a milestone 200th national league match for the Jamaican.

Aiken-George earned bragging rights as her team surged to victory after closely trailing the Firebirds for the majority of the contest in front of a home crowd. 

While Aiken-George was characteristically strong under the post, the Firebird’s Donnell Wallam stole the show early down the other end of the court, taking long bombs in from the midcourt and shooting at 100 per cent (20 from 20). 

The Swifts quickly solidified a small lead but the Firebirds responded immediately with some clinical netball, ending the first quarter in a deadlock, with both teams tied at 20-20.

The visiting side were looking to secure their first points of the season after a disappointing loss in last week’s derby clash with their Queensland rivals, the Sunshine Coast Lightning.

Despite having just one attempt at goal in the first term, it was Mia Stower’s dynamic work out front with Lara Dunkley which freed up the space for Wallam and allowed her to shine early. 

The Firebirds put their foot down in the second quarter, and a second tactical time-out was called by Swifts' coach Briony Akle.

A position change from Aiken-George to Sophie Fawns in GS changed up the timing in the attacking end, giving the Firebird’s defenders something new to think about. But the defenders in purple, Ruby Bakewell-Doran and Remi Kamo caused havoc for Fawns off the ball. 

The pressure was on Swift’s defenders Teigan O’Shannassy, (who was substituted in for Maddy Turner in the second term) and Sarah Klau to try and slow down play and shut down Wallam, but they were unable to contain her. 

At Power Five time scores were level at 31-31. Helen Housby sank her third Suncorp Super Shot but with consistent play from the team in purple, it wasn’t enough to secure the lead, trailing by 3 at halftime (37-40). 

In the third quarter, the scores were high and tight but the momentum was with the Firebirds. Wallam and Stower were the ones to stop. Stower’s movement and smarts were unmatched and Wallam’s bag of tricks were on full display, sinking an epic goal while falling out of court with just under two minutes to go.

After a Helen Housby clutch penalty goal,  NSW trailed by one as they entered the final term in a high-scoring match with Wallam just 16 goals off the record for the most goals scored in a Suncorp Super Netball match. 

The Swifts showed their experience as they came back firing in the final term, forcing another tactical time-out, this time called by Firebirds coach Bec Bulley. 

A couple of missed opportunities from Wallam and a few brilliant moments from Sarah Klau and Swifts' captain Maddy Proud--including a converted intercept and tip, shifted momentum for the home side. 

With the Swifts now stretching out the lead, the Firebirds' shooters were forced to take crucial Suncorp Super Shots during the final Power Five to bring the margin down, but the Swifts continued to dominate finishing the game 74-71.

The Swifts will now turn their attention to an Easter Monday showdown with the reigning premiers, West Coast Fever while the Firebirds will face off against the Collingwood Magpies next Sunday at John Cain Arena in Melbourne.