NSW Swifts upset Queensland Firebirds

The NSW Swifts put a nightmarish 2009 trans-Tasman netball campaign behind them by upsetting pre-season hotshot Queensland Firebirds 50-47 in their opening-round clash on the Gold Coast.

Down by three early on, the Swifts, who finished ninth last year, hit back to lead by three at halftime and four at the last change.

It was the first win in almost a year for NSW, who hadn't beaten the Firebirds since the 2008 season.

The Firebirds, who showed outstanding pre-season form in tournaments in Queenstown and Sydney, trailed by as much as six in the second half, but fought back to hit the front with just over five minutes to go.

But three straight goals pushed NSW back on top.

A big late defensive play by recruit Sonia Mkoloma and two late goals from Susan Pratley iced the win for NSW.

Pratley finished with 20 goals and skipper Catherine Cox notched 30, despite having missed all the Swifts pre-season games after recovering from off-season surgery.

Romelda Aiken scored 29 goals for Firebirds, with prize recruit Natalie Medhurst adding 18.

- AAP