Lightning clinch derby

By Charlie McKay

Sunshine Coast Lightning have claimed derby dubs, defeating Queensland Firebirds 72-62 at Nissan Arena on Saturday night.

The result marks Lightning’s seventh straight win over their cross-state rivals, while extending the Firebirds’ 2025 losing streak to seven - their worst run in 20 years.  

Courtney Bruce dominated in her 150th national league appearance, finishing with eight gains and 13 deflections.  

The opening term was a tightly contested affair, with the Firebirds showing greater confidence in attack and placing early pressure on Lightning’s frontline.

Star shooter Mary Cholhok was benched in favour of sharpshooter Abigail Latu-Meafou, who joined Emily Moore in a super shot assault.

The pair combined for four super shots, but a buzzer beater from Steph Fretwell gave Lightning an 18-17 edge into quarter time.

Lightning pushed ahead in the second quarter, quelling a brief Firebirds resurgence during the Power Five to take a 37–33 lead into halftime.

With strong contests across the court and plenty of fight from both sides, it was anyone’s game heading into the second half.

But the Lightning stormed out of the blocks in the third quarter, leaving the Firebirds scrambling for answers.

In a tactical switch, Diamonds contender Ruby Bakewell-Doran was moved back to goal keeper in an attempt to curb the influence of a red-hot Cara Koenen under the post.

But the adjustment did little to stem Lightning's flow.

They surged ahead with a dominant 20-13 term, wresting control and setting up a powerful finish.

Firebirds showed plenty of fight to take out the final quarter, but the damage had already been done.

Liz Watson was outstanding for the Lightning, racking up 49 feeds and 124 Net Points in a commanding performance that reaffirmed her status as the premier wing attack in the game.

Meanwhile, the Firebirds remain in search of solutions and will need to regroup quickly ahead of next week’s clash with the Thunderbirds in Adelaide.