FIREBIRDS 58, PULSE 46

The Queensland Firebirds registered their first win in New Zealand in the ANZ Championship with a dominant 58-46 result over the Central Pulse in Wellington today.

The trip across the Tasman also broke the Firebirds losing streak as they registered their first win this year after two opening losses.

The visitors controlled from the outset, forcing the Pulse to play catch-up throughout in a patchy effort from both teams which was highlighted by a high number of turnovers.

But the more experienced Firebirds were able to press home their advantage through a strong defensive effort and superior finishing.

A familiar face in New Zealand after stints with the Otago Rebels and Canterbury Tactix in recent seasons, goalkeeper Demelza McCloud (nee Fellowes) got the nod ahead of rising Australian defender Laura Geitz in the Firebirds line-up.

However, the willowy defender made an immediate impact with a strong presence in the Pulse circle as she and Peta Stephens shut down the home team shooters.

At the other end of the court, towering shooter Romelda Aiken ruled the roost against her Jamaican team-mate Althea Byfield in the Firebirds circle with her aerial advantage and accuracy a dominating factor.

The Pulse struggled against the suffocating defensive screen they encountered through the court and the signs were ominous after the Firebirds majestically strode out to a five-goal advantage midway through the quarter.

With the Pulse squandering their limited opportunities, the Firebirds were well-placed at 17-10 heading into the first break.

Geitz replaced an injured Stephens in the second quarter for the Firebirds while the Pulse added height to their shooting circle with the introduction of teenager Larissa Harrison.

The changes initially favoured the Pulse, who made a productive start to the second stanza.
Initial confusion by the Firebirds replacement players, allowed the Pulse to chip back at the deficit with steady attacking play and some fine defensive work from Byfield and Bessie Manu.

It was, however, short-lived as the Firebirds quickly regained their composure. Just two goals ahead at one stage, the visitors inflicted a withering spell as they wrestled their way back to a position of dominance.

The erratic Pulse frittered away too many opportunities while the Firebirds were polished on attack through the smart play of attackers Lauren Nourse and Tamsin Greenway and the ever-reliable finishing of Aiken.

McCloud and Geitz were also dominant figures in restricting the Pulse’s attacking options as the Firebirds bolted into halftime 10 goals ahead at 31-21.
Gupwell returned in the third quarter but the Pulse had few answers for the well-oiled Firebirds machine, who made attacking play look easy.

In-circle defenders Byfield and Manu had their moments for the Pulse but through court the home team could not stem the Firebird’s flow. Firebirds wing defence Clare McMeniman also proved a great spoiler in disrupting much of the Pulse’s attacking momentum.

The Firebirds maintained their 10-goal advantage to lead 43-33 at threequarter time as the Pulse were unable to make any inroads with their turnover ball.

There was no let-up down the home straight, the Firebirds quick and decisive as they continued to extend their lead and stretch the Pulse’s resources.