KEY POINTS:
Australia marched relentlessly into tonight's world netball final as England were left to rue a botched second quarter of what turned into a semifinal blowout last night.
The Aussies won 51-33 but the damage to England's hopes was done in the second 15-minute period during which the Australians
piled on 14 goals to six.
The first and third periods had been close, but the fourth was all Australia after they had removed the heat from the contest.
England had talked bullishly of their chances ahead of the match and in many respects they have made significant strides.
The difference was that while they mixed good bursts with serious doses of the wobbles, the Australians were relentless.
Fired by terrier-like wing attack Laura van Bertouch, who had a terrific match, Australia never looked inclined to lift their foot from England's throat once they had eked out a cushion in the second period.
When defending, they constantly squeezed the space and as diligently as England's mid courters toiled, they were second best too often.
Curiously, England's shooting statistics - 80 per cent to Australia's 69 per cent - were far superior. But critically the Aussies put up 71 attempts to England's 41. Put that down to the tough defensive work of Australian defenders Liz Ellis and Mo'onia Gerrard.
Australia's goal shoot Catherine Cox managed just 32 from 48 attempts and the English clearly missed classy goal attack Pamela Cookey, who was gone at halftime despite a 7-from-7 record.
Louisa Bronwnfield bagged 24 from 30 at goal shoot for England, Sharelle McMahon nailed 19 from 27 for Australia.
But Australian coach Norma Plummer couldn't care less at the tale of the numbers.
"I have no idea what they are and who gives a damn, because we've just won," she said. "We had some outstanding kids on that court tonight."
Those who argue netball is an attacker's game got plenty of ammunition last night. England's twin defensive rocks, Geva Mentor and Sonia Mkoloma, seemed to cop a raw deal from the umpires.
At times the clashes under the England goal were X-rated but the Aussies seemed to get what luck was on offer in the calls.
The Australians would have won anyway and their performance had the effect of throwing out an emphatic warning to the watching Silver Ferns and Jamaicans.
To round off a satisfying night, Plummer got injured first choice wing defence Selina Gilensan on for the final quarter to test her injured ankle and there were no hiccups.
