by Kerry Larsen

THE Queensland Firebirds have continued the Sunshine State's recent sporting domination after claiming their first ANZ Championship premiership yesterday.

The first club in history to finish the season undefeated, the Firebirds defeated the New Zealand's Northern Mystics by 13 goals in yersterday's grand final in Brisbane to follow in the footsteps of the Bisbane Roar (A-League soccer) and our own Cairns Taipans (National Basketball League) to reach national grand finals this year.

Port Douglas Netball Assocation's Sharon Beachey, who was invited to Brisbane in March by Queensland Netball to take part in a coaching clinic with the Firebirds, says the win has inspired local netballers to the highest level.

"It was an amazing effort for the Firebirds to go undefeated all season after missing the final for the past two years," Sharon said.

"But they have been so focussed and had so much detmermination,and it has paid off. Now our local girls are aspiring to be Firebirds."

Port Douglas Netball Association has also recently had visits from Netball Queensland representatives in recent weeks, including a visit last week from State Coach Development Officer, Margaret Monaghan, to pass on more Queensland coaching prowess to our local association.

Port Douglas Netball Association holds its competition at the Port Douglas Sporting Complex each Tuesday afternoon.