Queensland Firebirds showed their depth of quality to post a ruthlessly efficient 76-51 win over the Tactix in Christchurch on Saturday.
The late withdrawal of captain Laura Geitz had little effect on the Firebirds output, the visitors taking little time to blaze their way into a position of dominance and maintain it while introducing a number of different combinations through the game. There was a sense of real purpose from the visitors who produced a high quality brand of netball while Tactix efforts were blighted by too many damaging errors in the first half.
Both teams made bright and breezy starts, respective goalshoots – Jo Harten for Tactix and Romelda Aiken for Firebirds – being key targets under the hoop. With Natalie Medhurst picking up the captaincy duties, Firebirds controlled proceedings on attack as they made the most of their opportunities.
Well in the hunt early, Tactix won enough ball to remain competitive but at times were their own worst enemies as they failed to nail the opportunities when presented. The visitors weren’t blameless in coughing up the ball at times but the difference during the first quarter was Firebirds ability to convert the bulk of their turnovers while Tactix squandered plenty.
Young guns Kim Ravaillon (centre) and Gabrielle Simpson (wing defence) were effective spoilers in sealing off the transfer of ball through to the Tactix shooters as Firebirds shot out to a 21-12 at the end of a high scoring first quarter. In a bid to contain the long limbs of Aiken, Tactix introduced Zoe Walker for Bessie Manu at goal defence on the resumption but Firebirds got off to a flyer. Scoring the first four goals set the visitors up for a powerful second stanza as the home team again went to the bench and the play-making skills of goal attack Julianna Naoupu in a bid to resurrect their faltering fortunes.
