Diamonds close in on eighth Cup

AUSTRALIA is one game away from clinching their eighth Constellation Cup after a physical and thrilling 56-47 win against a feisty New Zealand side in front of a packed house in Townsville.

The Diamonds held firm in the face of numerous fightbacks from a rapidly improving New Zealand side to take their second win of the annual series in a memorable battle.

It was the Diamonds’ ninthconsecutive win over their trans-Tasman rivals, with New Zealand last beating Australia in the Quad Series in September last year.

The Diamonds beat New Zealand 57-42 in the opener of the series in Brisbane on Sunday with another win securing them the annual trophy contested by the two nations each year.

The final two games of the series are in New Zealand this Sunday and the following Thursday.

Former Swifts player Laura Langman became the most capped New Zealander when she stepped out in her 146th game to go ahead of legendary shooter Irene van Dyk.

But her teammates could not deliver a truly memorable milestone, outclassed by a Diamonds side working on a plan to defend their World Cup title in Liverpool next year.

“We have to learn to win,” said new Silver Ferns coach Noeline Taurua of a side rebuilding after their shock fourth at the Commonwealth Games, the first time in history they have missed a medal.

But the Taurua-coached Silver Ferns last night showed serious signs they are on the way forward again and more than capable of upsetting the Diamonds in the home games.

Captain Caitlin Bassett led the scoring with 37 from 38, while New Zealander Maria Folau, who had rugby star husband Israel in the crowd, scored 32 from 38.