Image: The Queensland Firebirds defeated the Sunshine Coast Lightning to claim the inaugural Suncorp Spirit Cup in Mackay. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
The Queensland Firebirds finally took to the court at Mackay Multisport Stadium last Saturday, taking on the Sunshine Coast Lightning for the inaugural Suncorp Spirit Cup.
It’s been almost a year since the Firebirds announced their intentions of visiting the sugar city and Mackay netball fans were hungry, turning out in force to cheer their team home.
The match started in a physical, end-to-end fashion, with both shooters rarely missing.
The first of five ten-minute periods finished with the Firebirds down 13-14.
The second period played out in a similar affair, finishing with the Lightning on 24 to the Firebirds’ 22.
It wasn’t until the third period that the Firebirds took the lead for the first time, starting the period with four quick goals.
The Lightning finished the period with a Super Shot on the buzzer, bringing the Firebirds’ lead back to 38-32.
The Firebirds started to find their groove in the fourth period, stretching their lead out to 47-38.
The Lightning started the fifth period strongly, but the Firebirds refused to relent, cranking up the heat to finish the game 56-46 victors.
It was Firebirds Coach Bec Bulley’s first game in the role, saying she found the Mackay crowd “incredible”.
“I was a little bit nervous before the game, but I’m so stoked with the win and how everyone played,” she said.
“I think these opportunities would mean so much to these country people.
“I hope everyone enjoyed it because we certainly enjoyed playing in front of the local crowd.”
The Firebirds hosted a Night With The Firebirds dinner the previous night and coaching clinics the morning of the match with Firebirds defender Remi Kamo describing her time in Mackay as “wonderful”.
“How good’s Mackay?” she exclaimed.
“It was wonderful getting to see so many different young athletes at the clinic, catching up with Mackay Netball Association and seeing what they’re all about, it was really hot but it was worth it for all the smiling faces.”
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