Natalie von Bertouch ... leads the Thunderbirds to a second ANZ Championship title. Source: Simon Cross / News Limited
THE Queensland Firebirds giant killing run has finally come to an end as the Thunderbirds claimed their second ANZ Championship title in Adelaide.
Queensland's gas tank ran out in the side's fourth consecutive match on the road, with the Adelaide Thunderbirds deserving victors in the 50-48 grand final win, the closest decider in the six-year history of the Trans-Tasman Netball League competition.
The Firebirds were fearless and fought to the end but were ultimately undone by the game breaking skills of Erin Bell and Thunderbirds captain Natalie von Bertouch.
Bell found another gear in the second half and von Bertouch helped turn the tide with a handful of brilliant feeds into the attacking circle.
Cheered on by a sellout crowd of 9000 at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, the home side appeared to have the match sewn up when they led by six goals at the final change.
The Firebirds had at least one burst of energy left, and trimmed the margin by scoring three of the first four goals in the deciding quarter.
Adelaide regained control, and fittingly it was Bell who sank the final goal.
Coach Roselee Jencke stuck by the same starting seven who steered the Firebirds through two sudden death matches on the way to the grand final.
Demelza McCloud was entrusted to stand Thunderbirds goal attack Erin Bell who was in line to become the first player to feature in three championship sides.
But Bell and her shooting partner Carla Borrego were outpointed in the first term by Firebirds pair McCloud and Laura Geitz.
Queensland pressure yielded several turnovers inside Adelaide's attacking third, while youngsters Kim Ravaillion and Gabi Simpson took the battle to experienced Thunderbirds midcourters Natalie von Bertouch and Emily Beaton.
The Firebirds' four-goal quarter-time lead was quickly gobbled up by the minor premiers.
Rebecca Bulley completely shut down Natalie Medhurst, while a couple of classy touches from von Bertouch helped the Thunderbirds to a 24-23 lead at halftime.
Both skippers spoke to the umpires at the long break, first von Bertouch, then Geitz, as the contest promised to become even more physical in the second half.
The third quarter belonged to Bell. Queensland sent Jacinta Messer onto the floor, but despite the extra attention the former Swift stepped up with some long range shots that helped Adelaide to a six-goal lead at the final change.
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