A New Dawn for the Queensland Firebirds
After a long and frustrating losing streak, the Queensland Firebirds finally found their rhythm in a stunning performance against the Giants. The team managed to end their 15-game Super Netball losing streak with a commanding 78-55 victory at Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney. This win marked a significant turnaround for the Firebirds, who had previously been defeated by the Adelaide Thunderbirds in a heavy 73-46 loss.
One of the standout performers was Mary Cholhok, who played just 12 minutes in the previous game but made a powerful impact on Saturday. Cholhok showcased her skills with an impressive 62 points from 80 shots, along with 15 rebounds despite some missed opportunities. Her performance was a clear sign of her ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most.
In addition to Cholhok’s contributions, Ruby Bakewell-Doran delivered a strong defensive display. She recorded seven gains, five rebounds, and two intercepts, highlighting her importance in the team’s strategy. The Firebirds’ midcourt also showed remarkable coordination, transitioning smoothly between defense and attack.
The Firebirds started the match strongly, especially after a difficult first quarter where they scored only nine points. Te Paea Selby-Rickit and Macy Gardner provided crucial support to Cholhok, with Selby-Rickit contributing 21 goal assists and 29 feeds, while Gardner added 25 feeds and four gains. This teamwork helped the Firebirds build a solid lead early in the game.
The Giants struggled throughout the match, with their performance deteriorating as the game progressed. The Firebirds (1-3) secured their first win since round two last season, which was a much-needed boost for the team. Star defender Kelly Jackson was ruled out due to an injury sustained in the previous round, which likely affected the Giants’ overall performance.
Bakewell-Doran expressed her satisfaction with the win, stating that it would give the team the confidence they needed. “Winning will give us that confidence of what we know we’re actually capable of,” she said. “We’ve had such a good training week and the girls just dug in and fought back so hard after that loss.”
The Giants faced additional challenges, including a potential injury issue involving star defender Jane Watson, who limped off the court in the third quarter and had heavy strapping around her calf. Their captain, Whitney Souness, was also absent during the first quarter, which left the young Giants without a key leader. Even after Souness returned, the team struggled to find their composure, leading to a high number of turnovers.
Cholhok started the game with precision, taking advantage of the Giants’ nervous moments to establish a 22-12 lead at the end of the first quarter. The second quarter saw increased physicality as the Giants tried to close the gap, but they continued to make costly mistakes, trailing 43-24 at halftime.
The Firebirds extended their lead in the third quarter with an 8-2 run, setting up a convincing victory. This win not only ended their losing streak but also provided a much-needed morale boost for the team as they look ahead to future matches.
