The Firebirds were dreaming of causing a massive upset at Netball SA Stadium in Lara Dunkley’s 50th Suncorp Super Netball appearance after a run of Donnell Wallam Suncorp Super Shots at the end of the third quarter.
Wallam scored three straight two-point shots to cut an eight-point deficit to just two heading into the final quarter, including an effort from the edge of the goal circle right on the siren.
Thunderbirds’ superstar defender Shamera Sterling dominated the final term however, winning several turnovers as the hosts won the quarter 24-9 to surge to their seventh win of the season.
Adding to the Firebirds’ disappointment, midcourt star Gabi Simpson suffered an ankle injury after falling heavily after an aerial contest with Maisie Nankivell right on halftime.
The Thunderbirds had injury concerns of their own with former Firebird Tippah Dwan hurting an ankle in the first quarter and defender Latanya Wilson limping off in the final term.
Sterling would go on to end the game with 154.5 Nissan Net Points including 10 gains, six intercepts, nine deflections and three rebounds.
At the other end of the court, Firebirds’ goalkeeper Remi Kamo was the visitors’ best performer.
Kamo recorded eight gains, four intecepts and three deflections in an impressive display by the first-year defender.
Alongside Kamo, Ruby Bakewell-Doran also put in a great shift as the Australian Diamond recorded six gains, three intercepts and four deflections.
Wallam finished with 34 points including five Suncorp Super Shots while Emily Moore had 11 goals from 14 attempts including one Suncorp Super Shot.
The Firebirds face another tough road trip next weekend in Perth against reigning premiers West Coast Fever at RAC Arena on Sunday, 21 May.
