Sparkling Diamonds sink Kiwis in thriller
SUBSCRIPTIONS 1300 696 397 IT’S finally confirmed: the Diamonds mean business — but only just.
After five preliminary-stage walkovers, Australia’s Netball World Cup defence has survived its first proper test with a breathtaking last-gasp onegoal win over New Zealand to top their group and set up a semi-final date with either Commonwealth Games nemesis England or South Africa.
Which it will be was a mystery for another 12 hours, with the pair due to play each other early today.
But the green and gold will be bristling with confidence for tomorrow’s final-four tie after Maria Folau uncharacteristically missed a shot on the buzzer last night that would have given her side a draw and the score finished 50-49.
It meant a 12th win from the last 13 against the old enemy across the ditch, in a tie that swung savagely this way and that and featured a third-quarter comeback but ultimately ended in favour of the world’s top-ranked nation.
Even the courtside support of sacked rugby star Israel Folau in the stands wasn’t enough for wife Maria and her Silver Ferns, revitalised under new coach Noeline Taurua and yet unable to provide answers to Australia’s merciless attack and dogged defence. For all the eyes on the sacked rugby star, there were just as many on Lisa Alexander’s lineup.
Five matches straight she’s tinkered and tested vastly differing starting sevens against lesser-ranked adversaries, and only now revealed what she considers her strongest — or, at least, the most likely to rattle the rhythm of the Silver Ferns.
Captain and goalshooter Caitlin Bassett (37/41) was in fine fettle in partnership with goal attack Steph Wood, more settled than her previous outings and enjoying the service from wing attack Kelsey Brown and centre Liz Watson.
Folau was the Silver Fern to elicit the biggest cheer from the Australia-heavy crowd.
She was, as usual, a deadeye from distance bar that final missed shot, converting 21 from 24 attempts. But the 32year-old was put off more than once by Diamonds goalkeeper Courtney Bruce, who helped turn the match.