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Kate Beveridge’s winning goal on the buzzer capped a stunning late comeback as the Adelaide Thunderbirds snatched a 51-50 victory over the Queensland Firebirds in the trans-Tasman netball league.
The third-placed Thunderbirds appeared headed for defeat before their home fans at ETSA Stadium when the fourth-placed Firebirds led by four goals with just 90 seconds remaining on Sunday.
Firebirds coach Vicki Wilson admitted it was the most painful loss in her team’s ANZ Championship history as they succumbed to pressure in the closing moments.
Thunderbirds coach Jane Woodlands could only concede her team got out of jail after trailing for much of the match and struggling to put together the fast-paced, accurate play they’re renowned for.
“When it comes to guts and heart, you can’t ask for any more than to be four goals down with 90 seconds remaining and I thought there was a slim chance of a draw, but to win that was magnificent,” Woodlands said.
“We’d been a little bit flat all game … we know how to win the close ones.”
Beveridge bagged 35 goals from 43 attempts for the home team while towering import Romelda Aiken kept the Firebirds’ score ticking over with a game-high 43 goals.
Wilson said she never felt comfortable her team would win, even with its late lead.
“I was still on the edge of my seat, I was still concerned,” said Wilson, adding that her players were extremely disappointed.
“I think we’ve never been in that situation before and it’s not a happy dressing room at the moment.
“I thought our game plan was very good but I thought in those last few minutes everyone came off it and thought they could save the world as individuals and you just can’t.”