Diamonds sparkle
Any optimism surrounding the Silver Ferns after last month’s Quad Series has quickly evaporated.
Australia have one hand on the Constellation Cup for the fifth straight year, going up 2-0 in the series with a 60-52 victory in the second test at Christchurch’s Horncastle Arena on Sunday afternoon.
The Silver Ferns were on cloud nine after last month’s 57-47 thumping of the Diamonds in Invercargill, but have been brought back to reality after two home losses to their trans-Tasman rival within the space of four days.
Six months out from the Commonwealth Games it has suddenly become distressing times for Janine Southby’s side, who were once again outplayed by the three-time reigning World Cup champions for much of the contest.
With the Constellation Cup switching to Australia for the final two games in the series in Adelaide (Wednesday) and Sydney (Saturday), there is a real possibility the Diamonds could sweep the Silver Ferns 4-0.
New Zealand gave themselves a glimmer of hope with a strong finish to the third quarter, to trail 44-39 entering the final term. Maria Tutaia sunk a goal as time expired to end the quarter and fire up the near sellout 5100 crowd.
The Silver Ferns trimmed Australia’s lead to five at several stages in the last quarter, but every time they threatened a comeback, the Diamonds kept their composure to win a crucial turnover and slot the goal.
Continue to allow Australia to lead by seven goals in the third quarter of matches and New Zealand will keep coming off second best against a Diamonds side, which is rapidly growing in confidence.
The loss continues the Silver Ferns poor recent record against Australia at home, losing nine of their past 10 contests in New Zealand since 2013.
Australian captain and star goal shoot Caitlin Bassett, who was kept contained in the Quad Series decider, again proved a thorn in the Silver Ferns’ side, slotting 40/44.
Umpiring was again in the spotlight with both sides left with bemused faces in the attack end at some of the penalties handed out.
Silver Ferns star Tutaia spoke out about the need for the best umpires in international netball before the game, rather than neutral officials.
Down 29-26 at halftime, Southby went to her bench to begin the second half in a desperate bid to disrupt the Australian attacking end with Kayla Cullen injected into wing defence and Temalisi Fakahokotau replacing Kelly Jury at goal keep.
With New Zealand trailing 21-17 midway through the second quarter, Bailey Mes was taken off and replaced by Te Paea SelbyRickit in the shooting end, who was so impressive in the Quad Series victory over the Diamonds.
Selby-Rickit provided a boost, slotting all five shots before halftime.
It was Australia who went into the main break the happier of the sides, though.
Bassett was a commanding presence in the first half, landing 21/23 and getting far too many easy looks close to the hoop, courtesy of some crisp feeding from her midcourt.
New Zealand spoke about reducing silly turnovers from their play before the game, but Southby would have disappointed at halftime. New Zealand committed 16 first half turnovers, with several passes being squandered after the ball had been gobbled up off Australia.
The Silver Ferns were desperate to start well after a poor end to the first quarter in the opening test and began positively.
They scored the first three goals of the match and raced out to a 9-5 lead, courtesy of some sloppy play on attack from Australia.
Australia were whistled for penalties on their opening two possessions, but got into their rhythm and outscored the Silver Ferns 9-2 in a powerful surge to the term.