Diamonds shine even brighter, says Gabi

NETBALL AUSTRALIAN midcourter Gabi Simpson says the looming selection for the Commonwealth Games is lifting the Diamonds to a new level as they opened their Quad series campaign with a 36th straight victory over South Africa – but by their smallest margin in more than half a century.

As the Proteas enhanced their growing reputation as the new danger team of world netball with a gallant display against the Diamonds, Simpson and her cohorts steadied in the final quarter to snare a 54-50 win in the Test match played in London yesterday.

It was the closest match in 51 years between the two netball nations, breaking the old record of a six-goal difference in the 2017 Quad series.

But coach Lisa Alexander was happy with the result as she continues to experiment with new combinations before the team attempts to defend its Commonwealth Games crown.

“Having a squad of 14 is lifting us to a new level,” said Diamonds vice-captain Simpson from England.

“We have individual accountability and we know we have to be a great unit and connect with each other to get into the Commonwealth Games.”

Australia 54 d South Africa 50

Australia: Caitlin Thwaites 22/23 (96 per cent), Gretel Tippett 8/9 (89 per cent), Caitlin Bassett 13/14 (93 per cent), Susan Pettitt 11/11 (100 per cent).

South Africa: Lenize Potgieter 34/38 (89 per cent), Maryka Holtzhausen 16/18 (89 per cent).

Match MVP: Bongiwe Msomi (South Africa)