Aussies thrash Proteas

AUSTRALIA has enjoyed the perfect preparation for Sunday’s clash against fierce rivals New Zealand, downing South Africa in emphatic fashion last night.

The Diamonds, comprising Geelong midcourter Madison Browne, proved to strong across the court for the Proteas, winning their Holden Quad Series match 63-31 to maintain a perfect record in the series.

The world champion Australians, who last clashed with South Africa in March 2005, had never been defeated by the Proteas in 28 previous meetings and made sure last night was no different. The Diamonds, who opened the inaugural series with an emphatic 64- 40 triumph over England in Adelaide on Sunday, had just as easy a task.

The South Africans suffered the opposite fate – getting thrashed by the Kiwis 63-27 in Adelaide for back-toback defeats.

Diamonds coach Lisa Alexander was able to give all 12 players valuable court time in an attempt to finetune her charges ahead of their match against the Silverferns, while sharpshooters Catherine Cox ( 16 from 17 goal attempts) and Susan Pratley (15/16) began the Diamonds’ offensive while Erin Bell ( 7/ 11) and Caitlin Basset (25/27) picked up where they left off.