Latest news with #LatanyaWilson
The Advertiser
12-07-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
T'birds lock in finals spot, end Lightning's season
The two-time reigning champion Adelaide Thunderbirds have booked their place in the Super Netball finals after finishing the minor round with a hard-fought 59-55 victory over the Sunshine Coast Lightning. After trailing at quarter-time in Saturday night's winner-takes-all mini-elimination final at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, the Thunderbirds kept their dream of a historic championship three-peat alive with a commanding 19-10 second period. Defenders Matilda Garrett and Latanya Wilson combined for 14 deflections and five intercepts, while shooter Romelda Aiken-George paired 43 goals with eight rebounds. "Just absolute relief," Garrett said post-match. "I think everyone on our team was extremely nervous. "We've had belief all along that we can make the finals. "I'm just so proud that we're actually going to be there." It hasn't been all smooth sailing for Adelaide (8-6) in 2025, rocked after three rounds by the departure of Jamaican superstar Shamera Sterling-Humphrey, the world's best defender, through pregnancy. But they have hit form at the right time, winning four of their last five to set up a minor semi-final date with the Melbourne Vixens next weekend. If the Vixens upset the top-ranked West Coast Fever in Perth on Sunday, that semi-final will be held in Melbourne. If the Fever get up, Adelaide will host the Vixens. The Thunderbirds had some issues early, a lopsided 20-7 penalty count and a flurry of late goals from Cara Koenen giving the Lightning a 15-13 quarter-time cushion. Adelaide turned the tables emphatically in the second term. Aiken-George buried 15 goals, captain Hannah Petty subdued Liz Watson in the centre, and Sunshine Coast coughed up seven turnovers while chalking up an identical 20-7 penalty count to see the Thunderbirds motor ahead 32-25 at halftime. Tayla Williams, unused in the first half, subbed on for Petty midway through the third stanza and had an influence through the middle as the home side stayed in the driver's seat. The gap blew out to 11 midway through the fourth before the Lightning went on a two-point binge, eroding the deficit significantly but not enough to save their season. "Disappointed, of course," Sunshine Coast skipper Steph Fretwell said. "We started off the game really well, then the second quarter is when the game was won (by Adelaide)." The two-time reigning champion Adelaide Thunderbirds have booked their place in the Super Netball finals after finishing the minor round with a hard-fought 59-55 victory over the Sunshine Coast Lightning. After trailing at quarter-time in Saturday night's winner-takes-all mini-elimination final at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, the Thunderbirds kept their dream of a historic championship three-peat alive with a commanding 19-10 second period. Defenders Matilda Garrett and Latanya Wilson combined for 14 deflections and five intercepts, while shooter Romelda Aiken-George paired 43 goals with eight rebounds. "Just absolute relief," Garrett said post-match. "I think everyone on our team was extremely nervous. "We've had belief all along that we can make the finals. "I'm just so proud that we're actually going to be there." It hasn't been all smooth sailing for Adelaide (8-6) in 2025, rocked after three rounds by the departure of Jamaican superstar Shamera Sterling-Humphrey, the world's best defender, through pregnancy. But they have hit form at the right time, winning four of their last five to set up a minor semi-final date with the Melbourne Vixens next weekend. If the Vixens upset the top-ranked West Coast Fever in Perth on Sunday, that semi-final will be held in Melbourne. If the Fever get up, Adelaide will host the Vixens. The Thunderbirds had some issues early, a lopsided 20-7 penalty count and a flurry of late goals from Cara Koenen giving the Lightning a 15-13 quarter-time cushion. Adelaide turned the tables emphatically in the second term. Aiken-George buried 15 goals, captain Hannah Petty subdued Liz Watson in the centre, and Sunshine Coast coughed up seven turnovers while chalking up an identical 20-7 penalty count to see the Thunderbirds motor ahead 32-25 at halftime. Tayla Williams, unused in the first half, subbed on for Petty midway through the third stanza and had an influence through the middle as the home side stayed in the driver's seat. The gap blew out to 11 midway through the fourth before the Lightning went on a two-point binge, eroding the deficit significantly but not enough to save their season. "Disappointed, of course," Sunshine Coast skipper Steph Fretwell said. "We started off the game really well, then the second quarter is when the game was won (by Adelaide)." The two-time reigning champion Adelaide Thunderbirds have booked their place in the Super Netball finals after finishing the minor round with a hard-fought 59-55 victory over the Sunshine Coast Lightning. After trailing at quarter-time in Saturday night's winner-takes-all mini-elimination final at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, the Thunderbirds kept their dream of a historic championship three-peat alive with a commanding 19-10 second period. Defenders Matilda Garrett and Latanya Wilson combined for 14 deflections and five intercepts, while shooter Romelda Aiken-George paired 43 goals with eight rebounds. "Just absolute relief," Garrett said post-match. "I think everyone on our team was extremely nervous. "We've had belief all along that we can make the finals. "I'm just so proud that we're actually going to be there." It hasn't been all smooth sailing for Adelaide (8-6) in 2025, rocked after three rounds by the departure of Jamaican superstar Shamera Sterling-Humphrey, the world's best defender, through pregnancy. But they have hit form at the right time, winning four of their last five to set up a minor semi-final date with the Melbourne Vixens next weekend. If the Vixens upset the top-ranked West Coast Fever in Perth on Sunday, that semi-final will be held in Melbourne. If the Fever get up, Adelaide will host the Vixens. The Thunderbirds had some issues early, a lopsided 20-7 penalty count and a flurry of late goals from Cara Koenen giving the Lightning a 15-13 quarter-time cushion. Adelaide turned the tables emphatically in the second term. Aiken-George buried 15 goals, captain Hannah Petty subdued Liz Watson in the centre, and Sunshine Coast coughed up seven turnovers while chalking up an identical 20-7 penalty count to see the Thunderbirds motor ahead 32-25 at halftime. Tayla Williams, unused in the first half, subbed on for Petty midway through the third stanza and had an influence through the middle as the home side stayed in the driver's seat. The gap blew out to 11 midway through the fourth before the Lightning went on a two-point binge, eroding the deficit significantly but not enough to save their season. "Disappointed, of course," Sunshine Coast skipper Steph Fretwell said. "We started off the game really well, then the second quarter is when the game was won (by Adelaide)."
ABC News
07-07-2025
- Sport
- ABC News
Super Netball Round-Up: Giants' future looks uncertain, Fever win minor premiership and will Fadoju move to Australia?
The penultimate round of the 2025 season is done and we've got three finalists locked in: the West Coast Fever, NSW Swifts and Melbourne Vixens. All that's left is for the Adelaide Thunderbirds and Sunshine Coast Lightning to fight it out for the number four spot. Super Netball also set a new attendance record, with a total 39,394 people turning out across Round 13. There were sellouts in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide, but it's the Fever who continue to raise the bar — setting a new game attendance record with 11,899. The Fever celebrated Kadie-Ann Dehaney's 100th game in style, beating the Giants, 73-56. Although it was a rough night in Perth for the AFL-branded team, they seem to have much bigger problems to address off the court, as serious claims circulate about the club's future. The Swifts lost an absolute thriller at home, 71-70, as Lightning captain Steph Fretwell sunk a super shot on the buzzer. Once the favourites to win the title, the second-placed Swifts have found themselves in a rut at the worst possible time — conceding four of their last five matches. The Thunderbirds — known as Tarntanya Karntu during NAIDOC Week — hammered the Melbourne Mavericks, 60-49. Here, Latanya Wilson's 12 individual gains were further proof that she should be this season's MVP. And lastly, the Vixens survived a scare against the bottom-placed Queensland Firebirds to cement their place in the finals, 64-62. If you missed it, don't worry — we'll get you up to speed with our Super Netball Round-Up. Rumours have been rife throughout the netball community about the uncertain future of the Giants and the club's financial stability. If true, this would be the second AFL-branded Super Netball side to fold within two years; following Collingwood's exit in 2023. Many thought the long-standing duo of Julie Fitzgerald and Jo Harten might retire from their respective roles as head coach and captain at the end of this season, with Harten taking on the coaching reins. Now ABC Sport understands no matter what shape or form the Giants take in 2026, Fitzgerald is expected to continue. Both figures were crucial in the establishment of the Giants back in 2017. As the Netball NSW-owned team made its debut in the brand new all-Australian league it experienced early success, winning two minor premierships and featuring in two grand finals. It's also provided a second pathway for players in the state. Unfortunately, it has now missed finals for the past three seasons and without much change to its leadership, roster or playing tactics, has struggled to keep up with the rest of the league. In 2024, the Giants finished with the wooden spoon. Even then, they carried on with Fitzgerald and Harten at the helm and most of the same personnel. One vital change this year was to be the signing of New Zealand midcourter Gina Crampton — but she fell pregnant in the pre-season. Several Giants fans told ABC Sport this year that the Super Netball side's reluctance to evolve meant they didn't want to renew their membership. Things were looking gloomy once again midway through this season, when they'd won just one of their eight games. Then there was the loss of Jamaican defender Jodi-Ann Ward to an ACL injury. This was expected to make matters worse, before Fitzgerald had the masterstroke idea to call up 40-year-old retired Silver Ferns legend Casey Kopua to bolster their experience. Since Kopua joined the mix, they've won three of their past five games and seen a small boost in crowd numbers. Kopua has made it clear that she wouldn't have come out of her six-year retirement for anyone else but Fitzgerald. The most experienced coach to ever grace the national netball league. However, reports suggest they are still struggling financially and other potential owners are hovering. A representative from Mounties Group confirmed with ABC Sport that they've held discussions with Netball NSW about their interest in trying to acquire a Super Netball licence. It is not clear yet whether they would take the Giants' spot or aim for a separate licence of their own. Mounties Group already sponsor a range of sports, while Mounties Care is a joint owner of the South West Magic franchise participating in Netball NSW's Premier League. Last year they won the Opens title in their inaugural season with Crampton on their roster. Netball NSW and the Giants were contacted but chose not to comment on the matter on Monday. If the Giants are to fold without someone else to carry on the licence of a second NSW team, it would be a massive loss for the state pathways and a huge blow to Fitzgerald and Harten's efforts over the past nine years. All in one hit on Sunday, the Fever sealed their first minor premiership, locked in home advantage for the major semifinal and became the first team to win 11 straight matches in the competition. They haven't dropped a game since goal shooter Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard returned to the line-up in round three, but their success is being generated by players right across the court. Against the Giants, the Fever led at every break on Sunday and the scary thing is they weren't at full strength. Jordan Cransberg was a late scratching due to illness and her twin sister Zoe did not return to the game after passing a concussion test following a heavy collision midway through the third quarter. The woman of the moment — Jamaican defender Kadie-Ann Dehaney — also wasn't at 100 per cent in her 100th game, as she'd missed training throughout the week battling a cold. As a result, Fever head coach Dan Ryan had to look to his bench. Every one of their game-day squad of 10 got on court and made an impact when given the nod. That includes replacement player Caitlyn Brown, who managed to snatch two big rebounds in her eight-minute debut. Right now, it's hard to see anyone else winning the Super Netball trophy and makes you wonder how many Fever players might get a call-up for the 2025/26 national squad, with Diamonds selection imminent. Sunday Aryang is the only member of the Fever currently in the Australian set-up, and she put on a fantastic player of the match performance in Round 13 with seven gains, three intercepts, four deflections and four rebounds. Could it be time to have another look at midcourters Alice Teague-Neeld and Jess Anstiss? Does Jordan Cransberg deserve a spot in camp as an invitee? Last week Netball Australia announced it will host South Africa and New Zealand for separate bi-lateral series throughout the off-season as it prepares for the 2026 Commonwealth Games. These might be the right place to blood some new talent ahead of Glasgow. Ever since she broke onto the international scene in 2022, fans have been speculating when England's Funmi Fadoju might pop up in Super Netball. In the past 24 hours, that chatter has now hit fever pitch after Fadoju was crowned player of the match in the UK Super League grand final, helping steer the London Pulse to their first ever title with a win over the Loughborough Lightning 53-45. Fadoju also topped the regular season stats for intercepts (31), deflections (120) and gains (77). She was second for pick-ups (27). But Pulse head coach Sam Bird told the Off the Court podcast there was a lot to consider regarding the 22-year-old's next steps and that she's keen to continue working alongside Roses teammates ahead of netball's next major tournaments. "I think everyone forgets how young Funmi still is, so she's still got a lot of growth," Bird said. "With the professionalisation [of our league] this year … I would suggest we're nearly operating at the same level as a Super Netball side. "Everybody's journey is different and that's not to say that Funmi won't go to Super Netball, but she's still got studies … she's already regarded as one of the best goal defences, so you don't necessarily need to move to the other side of the world to prove anything. "That's not to say she's not thinking about those things or doesn't have a desire to go, but I'm sure she'll go when she's ready. "You also want to find the right team and unit that is going to help you thrive and certainly the Pulse defensive unit is built to help Funmi thrive." So will we see Funmi Down Under next year? The 2026 contracting window for the UK Super League is now open, while Super Netball's won't begin until August.
The Advertiser
05-07-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Wilson wows as Thunderbirds set up finals showdown
The Adelaide Thunderbirds' bid for a Super Netball three-peat is right on track after a Latanya Wilson defensive masterclass catapulted them to a 60-49 win over the Melbourne Mavericks. The two-time reigning champions climbed into third place at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Saturday night, their finals fate firmly in their own hands with one round to play. The result sets up a potential do-or-die clash next Saturday in Adelaide, with the Thunderbirds (7-6) and Sunshine Coast Lightning (7-6) set to square off in what looms as a mini-elimination final. Meanwhile, the fifth-placed Melbourne Vixens (7-5) can book their place in the top four by beating either the last-placed Queensland Firebirds on Sunday or ladder leaders West Coast Fever next week in Perth. If the Vixens lose both games, Adelaide's clash with the Lightning will become a battle for finals seeding. Wilson was immense on Saturday, equalling the league record for intercepts in a game with nine - matching the mark set by Vixens defender Emily Mannix in 2019. She racked up 12 gains and nine deflections in a brilliant individual display, lowering the colours of fellow Jamaican and Mavericks spearhead Shimona Jok. "I can't take all the credit myself," Wilson said. "My team did the work in front of me, which allowed me to fly. "I feel like when I get one (intercept) I'm on the go and feel active to get more and more." Melbourne made a promising enough start, leading 10-8 early, before being snowed under by a Wilson-led Adelaide avalanche. The T'birds finished the opening term on a 9-2 burst before mauling the Mavs 16-7 in the second. Wilson repeatedly beat Jok in the air, while wreaking havoc with her fast hands, racking up four intercepts for the quarter and six for the half to steer the Thunderbirds to a commanding 33-19 lead. The visitors disintegrated in the second stanza, going 6-of-10 at goals, while conceding nine turnovers and 15 penalties. "They (players) look fearful when they get the ball," Mavericks coach Tracey Neville told Fox Sports in the third quarter. "At the end of the day that's not what we're about." Her charges lifted admirably, with Tayla Fraser rejuvenated at wing attack and Jok burying 15 goals without a miss as Melbourne won the third term 17-14, frustrating Adelaide into cough-ups as Thunderbirds coach Tania Obst angrily hurled her notepad to the floor. Uneeq Palavi subbed on in the fourth and buried three straight super shots to trim the margin to single digits, before her next attempt was athletically rejected by the rampant Wilson. The Adelaide Thunderbirds' bid for a Super Netball three-peat is right on track after a Latanya Wilson defensive masterclass catapulted them to a 60-49 win over the Melbourne Mavericks. The two-time reigning champions climbed into third place at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Saturday night, their finals fate firmly in their own hands with one round to play. The result sets up a potential do-or-die clash next Saturday in Adelaide, with the Thunderbirds (7-6) and Sunshine Coast Lightning (7-6) set to square off in what looms as a mini-elimination final. Meanwhile, the fifth-placed Melbourne Vixens (7-5) can book their place in the top four by beating either the last-placed Queensland Firebirds on Sunday or ladder leaders West Coast Fever next week in Perth. If the Vixens lose both games, Adelaide's clash with the Lightning will become a battle for finals seeding. Wilson was immense on Saturday, equalling the league record for intercepts in a game with nine - matching the mark set by Vixens defender Emily Mannix in 2019. She racked up 12 gains and nine deflections in a brilliant individual display, lowering the colours of fellow Jamaican and Mavericks spearhead Shimona Jok. "I can't take all the credit myself," Wilson said. "My team did the work in front of me, which allowed me to fly. "I feel like when I get one (intercept) I'm on the go and feel active to get more and more." Melbourne made a promising enough start, leading 10-8 early, before being snowed under by a Wilson-led Adelaide avalanche. The T'birds finished the opening term on a 9-2 burst before mauling the Mavs 16-7 in the second. Wilson repeatedly beat Jok in the air, while wreaking havoc with her fast hands, racking up four intercepts for the quarter and six for the half to steer the Thunderbirds to a commanding 33-19 lead. The visitors disintegrated in the second stanza, going 6-of-10 at goals, while conceding nine turnovers and 15 penalties. "They (players) look fearful when they get the ball," Mavericks coach Tracey Neville told Fox Sports in the third quarter. "At the end of the day that's not what we're about." Her charges lifted admirably, with Tayla Fraser rejuvenated at wing attack and Jok burying 15 goals without a miss as Melbourne won the third term 17-14, frustrating Adelaide into cough-ups as Thunderbirds coach Tania Obst angrily hurled her notepad to the floor. Uneeq Palavi subbed on in the fourth and buried three straight super shots to trim the margin to single digits, before her next attempt was athletically rejected by the rampant Wilson. The Adelaide Thunderbirds' bid for a Super Netball three-peat is right on track after a Latanya Wilson defensive masterclass catapulted them to a 60-49 win over the Melbourne Mavericks. The two-time reigning champions climbed into third place at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Saturday night, their finals fate firmly in their own hands with one round to play. The result sets up a potential do-or-die clash next Saturday in Adelaide, with the Thunderbirds (7-6) and Sunshine Coast Lightning (7-6) set to square off in what looms as a mini-elimination final. Meanwhile, the fifth-placed Melbourne Vixens (7-5) can book their place in the top four by beating either the last-placed Queensland Firebirds on Sunday or ladder leaders West Coast Fever next week in Perth. If the Vixens lose both games, Adelaide's clash with the Lightning will become a battle for finals seeding. Wilson was immense on Saturday, equalling the league record for intercepts in a game with nine - matching the mark set by Vixens defender Emily Mannix in 2019. She racked up 12 gains and nine deflections in a brilliant individual display, lowering the colours of fellow Jamaican and Mavericks spearhead Shimona Jok. "I can't take all the credit myself," Wilson said. "My team did the work in front of me, which allowed me to fly. "I feel like when I get one (intercept) I'm on the go and feel active to get more and more." Melbourne made a promising enough start, leading 10-8 early, before being snowed under by a Wilson-led Adelaide avalanche. The T'birds finished the opening term on a 9-2 burst before mauling the Mavs 16-7 in the second. Wilson repeatedly beat Jok in the air, while wreaking havoc with her fast hands, racking up four intercepts for the quarter and six for the half to steer the Thunderbirds to a commanding 33-19 lead. The visitors disintegrated in the second stanza, going 6-of-10 at goals, while conceding nine turnovers and 15 penalties. "They (players) look fearful when they get the ball," Mavericks coach Tracey Neville told Fox Sports in the third quarter. "At the end of the day that's not what we're about." Her charges lifted admirably, with Tayla Fraser rejuvenated at wing attack and Jok burying 15 goals without a miss as Melbourne won the third term 17-14, frustrating Adelaide into cough-ups as Thunderbirds coach Tania Obst angrily hurled her notepad to the floor. Uneeq Palavi subbed on in the fourth and buried three straight super shots to trim the margin to single digits, before her next attempt was athletically rejected by the rampant Wilson.
News.com.au
29-06-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Super Netball, round 12: Thunderbirds slay Vixens to boost three-peat hopes
Defending champions Adelaide Thunderbirds snapped Melbourne Vixens' five-game winning streak to breathe life into their finals quest and keep their three-peat dream alive. Bouncing back from last round's loss to the West Coast Fever, the Thunderbirds put the brakes on the Vixens' late-season charge to score a 56-53 Win at John Cain Arena. There was a scare for the Thunderbirds late in the game when star defender Latanya Wilson hobbled off the court with just 30 seconds left the match, but coach Tania Obst later revealed she had suffered cramps. Spearheaded by defensive menace Wilson, attacking young gun Georgie Horjus and shooting powerhouse Romelda Aiken-George, the win propelled the Thunderbirds back into the top four at the expense of the Lightning, who now sit outside on percentage. Melbourne remains in third position on the Super Netball ladder with two rounds to play. Last year's Super Netball grand final combatants, the Thunderbirds have now defeated the Vixens twice this season after their round one win in Adelaide. The Vixens had not been defeated since their round six loss to the Sunshine Coast Lightning - the day Simone McKinnis announced she would be stepping down as head coach at the end of the year. Aiken-George top-scored for the Thunderbirds with 41 goals from 47 attempts, while Horjus (7/7, including two super shots) also provided plenty of drive after shifting from wing to goal attack in the second quarter. Captain Kate Moloney led the charge in the midcourt for the Vixens, while Sophie Garbin top-scored for the home team with 38 goals from 41 attempts. The Thunderbirds got off to a flying start with Aiken establishing her presence under the post and Wilson causing trouble at the other end to open an eight-goal first-quarter lead. The Vixens struck back to win the second and third quarters as Obst shuffled her line-up across the court to find an answer to Melbourne's charge. With less than a minute on the clock, the Vixens fluffed several two-point chances in a desperate late bid to get over the line as the Thunderbirds held on. The Vixens face the Queensland Firebirds at home next Sunday for the penultimate round of the season, while the Thunderbirds host the Melbourne Mavericks.
The Advertiser
14-06-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Adelaide sink Firebirds, title defence back on track
The Adelaide Thunderbirds' bid for a Super Netball title three-peat is back on track, moving into the top four with a gritty 65-58 victory over the Queensland Firebirds. The two-time reigning champions were made to sweat at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Saturday night, the result not sealed until the final two minutes. Star defender Latanya Wilson was the standout for the Thunderbirds with 10 deflections and nine gains, while fellow Jamaican Romelda Aiken-George nailed 50 goals at the other end to inflict Queensland's eighth successive defeat. "We weren't good last weekend (home loss to the bottom-placed Giants)," Wilson said. "I'm happy that my team went back to the drawing board. "I said to myself that my team needed (me) and if I can go out there and bring the fire, especially in that second quarter, our guys were going to fight." The Firebirds had threatened to pull away early with Tongan centre Hulita Veve bossing the midcourt and Abigail Latu-Meafou subbing in and duly sinking a pair of two-pointers. But thanks to the brilliance of Wilson, who amassed a whopping five gains for the term, Adelaide edged in front 17-15 at quarter-time. Thunderbirds captain Hanny Petty's sixth turnover then saw Queensland creep ahead 26-22 before Adelaide coach Tania Obst called a time-out, swung Georgie Horjus into goal attack, Tayla Williams to wing attack and demanded better energy and skills. During the huddle, Wilson was particularly vocal, pointedly telling her teammates "this is not good enough". Wilson led by example, continuing to rack up the deflections and intercepts as she spearheaded a 7-0 surge to give the T'birds back control. Outscored 12-10 in a scrappy second term, the Firebirds looked far more dangerous in the third. Macy Gardner, Mary Cholhok and Latu-Meafou combined well in attack as Queensland won the quarter 20-17 to slice the deficit to one goal. Veve's hot early start came crashing down with a swag of fourth-quarter cough-ups and the Firebirds looked like they were wilting, but Latu-Meafou's long-range brilliance - she finished with 6-of-7 super-shots - had the visitors back within a point. But just as a boilover was brewing, Queensland turnovers mounted again, allowing Adelaide to finish with a 6-0 spree. The Adelaide Thunderbirds' bid for a Super Netball title three-peat is back on track, moving into the top four with a gritty 65-58 victory over the Queensland Firebirds. The two-time reigning champions were made to sweat at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Saturday night, the result not sealed until the final two minutes. Star defender Latanya Wilson was the standout for the Thunderbirds with 10 deflections and nine gains, while fellow Jamaican Romelda Aiken-George nailed 50 goals at the other end to inflict Queensland's eighth successive defeat. "We weren't good last weekend (home loss to the bottom-placed Giants)," Wilson said. "I'm happy that my team went back to the drawing board. "I said to myself that my team needed (me) and if I can go out there and bring the fire, especially in that second quarter, our guys were going to fight." The Firebirds had threatened to pull away early with Tongan centre Hulita Veve bossing the midcourt and Abigail Latu-Meafou subbing in and duly sinking a pair of two-pointers. But thanks to the brilliance of Wilson, who amassed a whopping five gains for the term, Adelaide edged in front 17-15 at quarter-time. Thunderbirds captain Hanny Petty's sixth turnover then saw Queensland creep ahead 26-22 before Adelaide coach Tania Obst called a time-out, swung Georgie Horjus into goal attack, Tayla Williams to wing attack and demanded better energy and skills. During the huddle, Wilson was particularly vocal, pointedly telling her teammates "this is not good enough". Wilson led by example, continuing to rack up the deflections and intercepts as she spearheaded a 7-0 surge to give the T'birds back control. Outscored 12-10 in a scrappy second term, the Firebirds looked far more dangerous in the third. Macy Gardner, Mary Cholhok and Latu-Meafou combined well in attack as Queensland won the quarter 20-17 to slice the deficit to one goal. Veve's hot early start came crashing down with a swag of fourth-quarter cough-ups and the Firebirds looked like they were wilting, but Latu-Meafou's long-range brilliance - she finished with 6-of-7 super-shots - had the visitors back within a point. But just as a boilover was brewing, Queensland turnovers mounted again, allowing Adelaide to finish with a 6-0 spree. The Adelaide Thunderbirds' bid for a Super Netball title three-peat is back on track, moving into the top four with a gritty 65-58 victory over the Queensland Firebirds. The two-time reigning champions were made to sweat at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Saturday night, the result not sealed until the final two minutes. Star defender Latanya Wilson was the standout for the Thunderbirds with 10 deflections and nine gains, while fellow Jamaican Romelda Aiken-George nailed 50 goals at the other end to inflict Queensland's eighth successive defeat. "We weren't good last weekend (home loss to the bottom-placed Giants)," Wilson said. "I'm happy that my team went back to the drawing board. "I said to myself that my team needed (me) and if I can go out there and bring the fire, especially in that second quarter, our guys were going to fight." The Firebirds had threatened to pull away early with Tongan centre Hulita Veve bossing the midcourt and Abigail Latu-Meafou subbing in and duly sinking a pair of two-pointers. But thanks to the brilliance of Wilson, who amassed a whopping five gains for the term, Adelaide edged in front 17-15 at quarter-time. Thunderbirds captain Hanny Petty's sixth turnover then saw Queensland creep ahead 26-22 before Adelaide coach Tania Obst called a time-out, swung Georgie Horjus into goal attack, Tayla Williams to wing attack and demanded better energy and skills. During the huddle, Wilson was particularly vocal, pointedly telling her teammates "this is not good enough". Wilson led by example, continuing to rack up the deflections and intercepts as she spearheaded a 7-0 surge to give the T'birds back control. Outscored 12-10 in a scrappy second term, the Firebirds looked far more dangerous in the third. Macy Gardner, Mary Cholhok and Latu-Meafou combined well in attack as Queensland won the quarter 20-17 to slice the deficit to one goal. Veve's hot early start came crashing down with a swag of fourth-quarter cough-ups and the Firebirds looked like they were wilting, but Latu-Meafou's long-range brilliance - she finished with 6-of-7 super-shots - had the visitors back within a point. But just as a boilover was brewing, Queensland turnovers mounted again, allowing Adelaide to finish with a 6-0 spree.
