Diamonds eye record
AUSTRALIAN netball coach Lisa Alexander is wary of an improving New Zealand side, as the Diamonds close in on a record-winning streak against their old foe, inspired by the form of Geelong’s Kelsey Browne.
The 56-47 victory over the Silver Ferns on Wednesday in the first netball Test played in Townsville brought up Australia’s ninth successive win over their greatest rival.
That leaves them just one victory off their biggest winning streak against New Zealand, which they established from 1995 to 1998.
They lead the four-match Constellation Cup series 2-0.
If Australia wins in Hamilton next Sunday and Wellington the following Thursday, they will have taken little more than a year to surpass the existing record. While New Zealand didn’t lead at any stage of Wednesday’s game, they never allowed Australia to open up a double-digit lead.
“We’re aiming at winning all four (CC Tests) but we know it’s not going to be easy,” Alexander said.
“I think New Zealand have found a combination now that they think is going to work.
“They will work that very hard and they will try and get this victory in this next game.”
Silver Ferns captain and midcourt stalwart Laura Langman racked up a New Zealand record 146th Test appearance in Wednesday’s game.
“The fact that she broke such an enormous Test caps record is a really special thing, so we did make mention of that before the game,” Alexander said. “We certainly said that it was important for us to make sure that we play our best to show her the best sort of respect for her.”
Centre Liz Watson and wing attack and player of the match Browne continued to develop their midcourt partnership. “That’s a really lovely combination that’s going to hold us in good stead,” she said.