Australia maintained its dominance of New Zealand in the Oceania women's basketball championships with a 23-point victory.

The Opals won 84-61 to qualify for the Athens Olympics against a spirited Tall Ferns side which took it right up to the Aussies.

Australian coach Jan Wilding said she expected the game to be physical, adding it was a great experience for her younger players such as Hollie Grima and Laura Summerton.

The Opals stamped their mark on the game early and at the halftime break had a 24-point lead before the Kiwis reduced the margin to seven points.

Australia kicked away again.

Belinda Snell (Opals) was her team's leading scorer with able assistance from Natalie Porter and Summerton.

Arguably Australia's best was Kristen Veal while Alison Tranquilli and Alicia Poto were also prominent.

New Zealand's best included Leanne Walker, Kim Wielens and Julie Ofsoski.

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