The Queensland Firebirds have extended their trans-Tasman netball league winning streak to eight with a comprehensive 16 goal win over the Adelaide Thunderbirds on Saturday.
In front of almost 5000 fans at Adelaide Arena, the Firebirds outscored the Thunderbirds in each quarter to lead at every change and win the round 12 clash 58-42.
The result puts the Firebirds at the top of the Australian conference with two rounds remaining and officially ends the Thunderbirds finals hopes.
"It's pretty crucial but we just want to be in the finals and if we got top spot that is a bonus," Queensland coach Roselee Jencke said.
"I'm very happy with our last quarter in particular with us being able to put some score on the board and increase our lead," she said.
"We stuck to our guns and weathered the storm at times and played a really good consistent 60 minute game."
Goal shooter Romelda Aiken was instrumental for the Queensland side landing 39 goals from 46 attempts.
Aitken is just the second player in the competition's history to reach 400 goals in a season for the eighth consecutive year.
Despite several changes throughout the game, Adelaide couldn't nullify the attacking power of the Firebirds.
Shooters Carla Borrego and Erin Bell were also below their best scoring at just 75 per cent for the Thunderbirds.
Adelaide Coach Jane Woodlands-Thompson acknowledged they were outplayed.
"We only scored 42 which is no where near enough goals against a top team," she said.
"We were beaten by a far better side and a team that's heading for finals." Woodlands-Thompson feels the Firebirds are building something special and can win the tournament.
"They are my favourites, they have got both ends covered," she said. "They have got Romelda and (Gretel) Tippett playing well and they have also got the Australian captain (Laura Geitz) at the other end."
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