Still Best the
Silver Ferns win a thriller against arch-rivals
The world champion Silver Ferns have picked up where they left off. Backing up their World Cup victory, the Ferns took out the first test of the Constellation Cup over the Australian Diamonds, 53-52 win in front of a sold-out Christchurch crowd. The Ferns are now on track to claim the series title for the first time since 2012.
“We wanted to make sure we trampolined from World Cup to here. There was some really good stuff from us and some that needs some polish,” captain Laura Langman said. “But it was great to be able to back up our World Cup win.”
In a similarly close encounter, the Silver Ferns beat Australia 52-51 in July’s World Cup final.
“Both sides have great depth and versatility on the bench. It was a real nail-biter and could have gone either way.”
Three tests remain in the series though — two of which will take place on Australian soil — but having scored back to back wins over the Diamonds for the first time since 2015, the Ferns look as confident as ever.
Despite coming off second best in the third quarter by a hefty six goals, the Silver Ferns hit back with composure to reassert their dominance in the final stanza — a fight star shooter Ameliaranne Ekenasio (29 from 31) was pleased to see.
“We have a wicked connection out there on court and we’re working so hard, that just gets me going, the fact that we’re working for and with each other,” she said.
“It was interesting to get back out there tonight, World Cup feels like yesterday but it kind of felt like a lifetime ago . . . We’re finding those connections again and hopefully, they’ll be even stronger come the next game.”
Ekenasio, who was named player of the match, played an influential part in the Ferns attacking success in the opening quarter. With a dominant and cohesive performance, Ekenasio and shooting partner Maria Folau (24/26) didn’t seem to lack in confidence under the post even under the pressure of defenders Jo Weston and Sarah Klau.
A few sluggish errors from the Australian side in the second quarter saw the Ferns stretch their lead out to as much as six goals. But a second wind from the Aussies got the match back to a goal-for-goal contest.
The Diamonds took control as the Ferns looked to fall into their old habits before the introduction of defender Karin Burger in the final 15 minutes saw the match swing once again in favour of the New Zealand side, with Australia committing a number of unforced errors down the stretch. Inside the final minute, with a onegoal advantage, the Ferns remained composed when it mattered most, holding on to the ball to run down the clock and claim a thrilling one-goal win. The teams have two days’ rest before the next test in Auckland. The final two games follow across the Tasman in Syndey and Perth.