Firebirds win Spirit Cup Qld Netball derby before Mackay crowd

A game which launched a new Qld netball rivalry was packed with so many headliner moments including debuts, players fighting for spots and some making a comeback from the sidelines.

Sunshine Coast Lightning and Queensland Firebirds come together in Mackay ahead of their clash in the Spirit Cup

The inaugural Spirit Cup showed one thing is unanimous, Mackay loves netball and netball loves Mackay.

Taking place across the weekend, the Queensland Firebirds set the tone on Friday evening with an opportunity for fans to get to know the ins and out of the sport.

Every coach and player was available to talk about their journeys and experiences inside the industry, offering the perfect platform to connect on a level deeper, and one that was certainly felt in crowd support come the game between the Firebirds and the Sunshine Coast Lightning on Saturday night.

There was no question where the majority sat when it came to the Queensland showdown with the Mackay fans’ love for the Firebirds producing a deafening support that spurred the side towards a 10-point victory over the rival team.

The game was packed with so many headliners including debuts, players fighting for spots, and some making a comeback after lengthy times on the sidelines.

A sold out crowd for Suncorp Spirit Cup match between the Queensland Firebirds and Sunshine Coast Lightning on Saturday, November 26 2022 at the Mackay Multisport Stadium. Picture: Michaela Harlow

One of the most interesting moments was the debut of 19-year-old Charlie Bell who was snatched up by the Lightning as an injury replacement player.

Standing at 197cm tall, Bell is an imposing presence under the goals and the young star took to the game like a veteran, slotting into the line-up of new coach Belinda Reynolds with ease.

Debutant Charlie Bell was dominant in goals during Suncorp Spirit Cup match between the Queensland Firebirds and Sunshine Coast Lightning on Saturday, November 26 2022 at the Mackay Multisport Stadium. Picture: Michaela Harlow

“It was daunting getting ready for the game but I think as soon as I got on court and was up against an old teammate in Remmy next to me, I felt like I was at home and really easy so once I got the first shot away I was fine,” Bell said.

Bell is truly a rising young talents in Australian netball and as impressive her scoring was, it was her movement, physicality and awareness of her teammates that made her look like Lightnings’ shooter of the future.

Debutant Remi Kamo attacks the netball on Saturday, November 26 2022 at the Mackay Multisport Stadium. Picture: Michaela Harlow

Another highlight of the night was the debut of 28-year-old Remi Kamo who took to the role of goalkeeper/defender as seamlessly as she fulfilled her Super Netball dreams.

Having been in the Queensland Netball system for some time, earning her first contract at an age might may have considered the dream was over is testament that when you keep showing up, good things can happen.

“It was so fun, it was too tough, Lightning really brought it to us,” Kamo said.

A victorious Queensland Firebirds with the inaugural Spirit Cup after a fiery battle in Mackay against cross town rivals Sunshine Coast Lightning

Kamo’s confidence in voice and command she had for her teammates was a standout, being one of the only players you could hear over the lively Mackay crowd.

“How goods Mackay?” Kamo said.

“It was wonderful getting to see so many young athletes at the clinic.”

Although the Firebirds secured a 10-point win, both coaches said they valued the experience of starting a Queensland rivalry in Mackay.

“Its my first time in Mackay and the crowd was really vocal,” Lightning coach Belinda Reynolds said.

“I look forward to our second spirit match in March.”