Ferns dent Diamonds
Aussies out to make win a Constellation consolation
DIAMONDS rookie Gretel Tippett says the Australian team will have to go back to the drawing board as they attempt to shake off a shock loss to the Kiwis.
Australia fell three goals short of wrapping up the series yesterday when the New Zealand team pulled off an incredible comeback to win 50-47.
Gold Coast star Tippett, 22, made her first appearance in the green and gold this series, debuting at wing attack for the Australians in their 10-goal win last week.
With the series now standing at 2-1 in the Diamonds’ favour, Australia and New Zealand head to Perth and Tippett said there was some work to be done.
“We’ve just got to go back to the drawing board for the next game in Perth,” she said.
“It’s a bit of a wait around compared to the last three games but I’m really excited.”
Tippett’s selection in this series was reward for the impact she made with her return to Queensland for this year’s ANZ Championship.
She linked with the Firebirds from the NSW Swifts and had an incredible impact playing goal attack.
The former national league basketballer was thrust into the spotlight mid-season for
I think New Zealand was really hungry for that win. We really need to step up ...
GRETEL TIPPETT
her integration of the lay-up style shot.
But it was her pairing with Jamaican superstar Romelda Aiken in the Firebirds’ attacking circle that really turned heads and earnt Tippett a spot on the Diamonds’ wider training squad for the World Cup.
Tippett has been praised for her poise so early in her international career. But the high of a win in her first game was tempered by yesterday’s result.
Tippett said the Diamonds were caught off guard by the Silver Ferns and struggled with the pace of the game.
“It was a bit slow, there were stops and I think New Zealand was really hungry for that win. We really need to step up and do better,” she said.
The Diamonds will go head to head with the Silver Ferns in Perth on Friday for the final match of the four-game Constellation Cup series.