AAP2 Minute Read
Queensland have banked their third win of the Super Netball season to climb off the bottom of the ladder with a rousing 68-50 victory over the Giants.
The Firebirds were left to celebrate their first away win of a disappointing season, outplaying the Giants at Sydney’s Ken Rosewall Arena in the final match of the round.
The loss was a terminal blow for the Giants’ finals hopes, with the western Sydney team stalled on 16 points, 12 behind the fourth-placed Melbourne Vixens with three rounds to play.
The teams were locked at 28-28 at half-time but the visitors set up the win on the back of a big third quarter.
Firebirds goal shooter Donnell Wallam, who left the court in the second quarter with a finger injury, helped build a six-point lead which they extended into the final quarter with a 10-goal run.
World Cup hopeful Wallam finished with 44 goals from 48 attempts while her teammates Emily Moore tipped in 11 from 12 Mia Stower, 10 from 12 goals.
Former England international Jo Harten was top-scorer for the Giants before she was replaced heading into the fourth quarter while centre Jamie-Lee Price was also a stand-out.
Firebirds goal-keeper Remi Kamo starred at the other end, collecting nine gains and five intercepts as she kept the pressure on the Giants shooting circle.
“I had a really good time, I’m so glad we got another win,” said a beaming Kamo, who was named player of the match.
“We’ve been looking forward to it.
“It’s been really hard backing it up every week and we put out a stellar performance today so I’m really proud of the girls.”
The Firebirds’ win leaves Collingwood, who lost to Sunshine Coast Lightning, anchored to the bottom of the ladder to cap a miserable week after the club announced they were closing their netball program at the end of the season.