Aiken shoots Firebirds to victory

SYDNEY, Australia (CMC):

Slicker service from the mid-court allowed Romelda Aiken to become a key figure after a quiet second quarter and catapult the Queensland Firebirds to a 57-53 victory over New South Wales Swifts, in the ANZ Championship on Sunday.

The Jamaican goal shooter finished with 37 goals from 43 attempts and goal attack Natalie Medhurst, scored 20 following the Firebirds' revival in the third period, after they seemed destined for their first defeat of the season at half-time.

The Firebirds were trailing 24-31 at half-time, but they moved captain Lauren Nourse to wing attack, and Elissa MacLeod from the bench to centre, and this rejuvenated the team.

Aiken and Medhurst chipped away at the deficit while, at the other end of the court, goalkeeper Laura Geitz and replacement goal defence Clare McMeniman closed the gaps to turn up the heat on the Swifts' shooters.

The Firebirds levelled the scores with 2:30 remaining in the period and gained a 42-41 lead going into the final break.

They held their nerve in a dramatic final stanza, holding a slim advantage throughout via their defensive exploits and the ability of Aiken to sink vital goals.

Earlier, the rivalry was intense from the first whistle, with the Swifts' defenders Rebecca Bulley and Sonia Mkoloma contesting the high ball with some degree of success against Aiken.

The two teams traded goals, but the Swifts had the lead, 13-12, at the first break.

The Firebirds went to sleep in the second period and the Swifts started to get the upper hand with their scorers showing the value of their experience, to give the home team a 31-24 lead at the half-time.

But the Firebirds came roaring back in the third quarter and held their nerve to remain unbeaten in six games this season, remaining at the top of the standings with 12 points.