Silver Ferns’ win fuels confidence

The Silver Ferns finally delivered a performance they can be proud of. It wasn’t just because they won the third Constellation Cup test against Australia 55-44, but because they played with intensity throughout and everyone contributed to the overall outcome.

The Ferns took to the court with belief and confidence and that was reflected in the way they played. Less errors were made than recent outings and they were also able to absorb the pressure which the Australians put on them. In the past, the team would have folded under such pressure.

The Ferns made no substitutions throughout the game, with the players on court being our most experienced. In fact the number of Kiwi caps far exceeded those of Australia.

Australia, on the other hand, made substitutions each quarter, but it appeared to be more about getting players out on court, rather than playing their strongest possible combinations.

In the shooting circle, Maria Folau took charge, shooting with confidence and accuracy. On attack, the team released the ball with speed and no hesitancy, allowing those quality shots to be taken. Any time the Australians made an error, the Ferns were quick to capitalise on this added possession, converting these mistakes into goals.

The defensive circle took a number of intercepts and tips, which were converted into goals. All four shooters from the Diamonds took the court at different times in the game, however the Ferns’ defence was quick to make the necessary adjustments.

When umpiring calls went against them, they made the necessary changes to their game. In fact, Ferns goal keep Jane Watson was given a caution and went on to be the player of the game.

The Diamond players, when on defence, were guilty of a number of penalties and failed to make the necessary adjustments to their game.

While it is great to finally have the score in New Zealand’s favour, this result must be kept in perspective. The last test against Australia in the Constellation Cup will give a clearer indication of the Ferns’ overall strength to date.

Yes, the Ferns played well and seized every opportunity on court, but Australia had a substandard performance, with some interesting combinations taking the court.

It appeared Lisa Alexander, the Diamonds coach, was again experimenting with players, wanting to get most players out on court, rather than simply trying to secure the win.

I was surprised she didn’t start with the same combination that had success against the Ferns in their previous encounters.

Similarly, I was confused and couldn’t understand some of her substitutions. Gretel Tippett, for example, who was playing and shooting with confidence and accuracy, was taken off the court and later returned in the more unfamiliar position of goal shooter, and received the ball from an inexperienced midcourt combination.

The game statistics also provide interesting reading with Australia heavily penalised. In fact, just over twice the amount as those of the Ferns.

I’m sure Alexander, as coach, and Caitlin Bassett, as captain, will be having discussions with the umpires, prior to the last encounter of the year.

In the final Constellation Cup test in Wellington on Thursday, I don’t expect to see the goal difference to be greater than single figures. I see no reason why the Ferns can’t finish off this year on a positive note.

At the commencement of the Constellation Cup, it was stated that if the Ferns were to win one game, then that would be acceptable.

Should they win both games on New Zealand soil, the Ferns are once again competitive in the world of netball and have restored credibility.

This game will not simply be about the winning of the Constellation Cup.