By Chloe Pilkington
The Adelaide Thunderbirds haven’t skipped a beat since their impressive performance during the pre-season Suncorp Team Girls Cup, dominating the Queensland Firebirds 44-59 in round 1 at Nissan Arena.
The Thunderbirds stormed out of the blocks, leading the game 7-10 before Firebirds’ new coach Bec Bulley called an early tactical timeout to refocus her side.
The Firebirds then came on to score six crucial goals in a row, with Donnell Wallam shooting 14 goals in the first quarter.
England Rose Eleanor Cardwell made her Suncorp Super Netball debut, joining the Adelaide Thunderbirds and drained her first Super Shot showing early confidence in the match.
Going into the second quarter up by two, the Firebirds scored five straight goals causing a much-needed tactical time out by the visitors.
Tippah Dwan entered the game and made an instant impact for the Thunderbirds shooting end, as herself and Cardwell drained crucial Super Shots to level the score (27-27) with two minutes until half time.
Firebirds’ recruit Remi Kamo impressed on her debut with strong rebounds, finishing the match with six rebounds and five deflections to her name. Emily Moore also made her Suncorp Super Netball debut, coming on in the third quarter at GS for the Firebirds.
Tayla Willams showed brilliance in C with the most circle feeds on court, as the Thunderbirds attack line flourished.
The Thunderbirds proved too strong for the home side in the fourth quarter as they took the highest lead of the game, 38-46.
Trailing by 12 going into the last Power Five, the Firebirds wheels fell off as the Thunderbirds defensive end continued to build pressure.
MVP Shamera Sterling caused disruption at every chance she could, finishing the game with 12 deflections and 158 Nissan NetPoints, the most on court.
With both their attack and defensive ends delivering an outstanding fourth quarter performance, the Adelaide Thunderbirds pulled off a massive win against the Queensland Firebirds, as well as the highest goal scoring margin of round 1.
The Thunderbirds will take on the Swifts next week after their disappointing loss against the Magpies last night, while the Firebirds will host their neighbours Sunshine Coast Lightning for the always epic ‘Battle of the Bruce’.
