Netball: Firebirds maintain their edge over Swifts

Queensland displayed championship mettle as they came from behind to preserve their unbeaten trans-Tasman netball competition record with a 57-53 win over NSW Swifts on Sunday.

The Swifts led 13-12 at the first break and 31-24 at halftime in front of a sellout crowd at Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre.

A revamped Firebirds midcourt improved their feeding into the circle in the third quarter as Queensland outscored NSW 18-10 to lead 42-41 at the final change.

The Swifts were unable to regain the lead in the final quarter, which the Firebirds won 15-12.

Queensland, who improved their season log to 6-0, shot at 84 per cent through Romelda Aiken (37/43) and Nat Medhurst (20/25).

Swifts, who dropped to 4-3 after their first loss in four games, shot at 87 per cent but Catherine Cox (31/36) and Susan Pratley (22/25) combined for seven fewer attempts than their Firebirds counterparts.

Queensland Firebirds 57 (Romelda Aiken 37/43, Natalie Medhurst 20/25) NSW Swifts 53 (Catherine Cox 31/36, Susan Pratley 22/25). Halftime: 24-31.

- AAP