NETBALL
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Despite extending their trans-Tasman netball league unbeaten run to four matches, NSW Swifts coach Rob Wright says they must improve.
The Swifts registered a comfortable 65-54 win over bottom-placed Adelaide Thunderbirds on Sunday, but Wright believes his side must get better if they are to do any damage at the business end of the season.
The Swifts were in imperious form in the opening two quarters against Adelaide, playing with verve and discipline to boast a near-unassailable 39-26 lead at the midway point.
While the win helped the third-placed Swifts move three points clear of fellow finals contenders Melbourne Vixens, a third-quarter slump suggests the Sydneysiders are yet to find the kind of consistency that Wright has craved all season.
"We are getting there, but still plenty of way to go," Wright said.
"We are certainly improving. The first half was even better than we played last week. But we lost the third quarter which is not ideal, so we have plenty to work on.
"The way [Queensland] Firebirds have been playing they are probably competition favourites, and [West Coast] Fever have probably the two best goalers in the world and are playing incredibly well.
"Both of those teams you would have to say are favourites. We have to lift our game to compete with that if we get there.
"But we are getting closer to showing that if we are there we can do a good job."
A capacity crowd at the Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre saw the home side race out of the blocks to establish a handy 22-15 lead at the first break, thanks to perfect shooting from Caitlin Thwaites and Susan Pettitt.
The Swifts extended their advantage to 13 goals at the half-time break (39-26) and although the visitors fought back impressively, there was only ever going to be one winner.
It was the third time in four outings the Swifts hit the 60-goal mark, though they fell three shy of their season high of 68 set in round one.
MVP Thwaites scored 38 goals from her 42 attempts, while Pettitt was impressive in nabbing 27 from 31.
On the scoresheet for the Thunderbirds were Carla Borrego (39 from 47) and Erin Bell (15 from 17).
Thunderbirds coach Jane Woodlands-Thompson took heart from her side's comeback which included a 15-12 domination of the third quarter." - AAP
