Diamonds seek revenge

A YEAR ago Courtney Bruce was so nervous before playing England she was sick on the way to the game and can’t remember a thing about her Australian debut.

On Wednesday a far more collected Bruce hopes to remember every detail of a match she says the Diamonds are determined to win “for pride” after their shock Commonwealth Games loss to England in May.

Now an 18 Test veteran of the Diamonds, Bruce, 24, is also a regular starter for the Diamonds defence.

But a year ago she was so shocked when she heard she was to take the court for Australia she was physically sick. A dream debut including five intercepts, eight deflections and four rebounds earned her the MVP award – none of which she can remember.

“I played the full game against England and got the MVP and don’t remember a single thing about it,” she said.

“It was a complete blur. I remember being sick on the way to the game and seeing my parents afterwards.

“I can’t believe that was just a year ago. It’s crazy.”

In between Australia fell 51- 52 to England in the gold medal decider at the Commonwealth Games with Wednesday’s game the first opportunity they have to avenge the loss.

“Everyone is excited to get out there. Every game has a lot of meaning but with this one there is more passion and fire behind it,” Bruce said.

“We have done a lot of video analysis and research on them.

“There is pride on the line for us. The Commonwealth Games hurt. Losing sucks.”

Coach Lisa Alexander says the Games loss has been “eating away” at the Diamonds.

Avenging the loss and retaining their world No. 1 ranking are top priority in the Quad Series which pits Australia against England on Wednesday and New Zealand Sunday.