The Adelaide Thunderbirds have returned to the Super Netball winners' circle with a 54-51 win over a weakened Queensland Firebirds.
The Thunderbirds had dropped their past three games after an opening round win but managed to hold off a fast finish by the winless visitors at Adelaide's Priceline Stadium.
Once a powerhouse side, the Firebirds' record is now four losses and a draw from five rounds to sit at the bottom of the Super Netball ladder.
The hungry home side dominated the opening three quarters, picking up three bonus points as well as the four points for the win.
After a low-scoring opening half the Thunderbirds led 16-13 with goalers Sasha Glasgow and Kiwi Maria Folau sharing the spoils.
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Their lead was just two at the final exchange before the Queenslanders mounted their challenge.
A goal by Tippett with five minutes to play locked the score up at 48-48 all but the Thunderbirds were able to kick away for the winning margin.
Youngster Glasgow finished with 28 goals from 32 attempts to lead Adelaide's scoring while Folau netted 26 of 34 attempts.
The Firebirds missed the services of star Jamaican shooter Romelda Aiken, who sat out with an ankle injury.
World Cup goal attack certainty Gretel Tippett still performed admirably in her absence, shooting 27 from 28 goals.
Aiken's replacement Abigail Latu-Meafou, who spent last season with Adelaide, contributed 18 from 22.
