Ferns beaten but better
Beaten, but not disgraced.
Australia captured the Quad Series title after overpowering New Zealand 60-55 at Melbourne’s Hisense Arena yesterday in the first trans-tasman clash since Noeline Taurua replaced Janine Southby as head coach.
It was Australia’s seventh straight victory over the Silver Ferns and continued New Zealand’s bleak recent record across the ditch since the start of 2016, losing there for the sixth time in seven matches.
There were moments of excellence from the Ferns, but Australia controlled the match for large parts. The Silver Ferns were vastly improved from their last showing against Australia in the semifinals of April’s Commonwealth Games, where they were thumped by 21 goals (65-44).
While it’s never nice losing to Australia, the result is a starting point for Taurua and the Ferns ahead of their four-match Constellation Cup series against the Diamonds, starting on October 7.
Australian captain Caitlin Bassett, for so long a thorn in the Silver Ferns’ side, benefited from some strong ball from her midcourt, slotting 46 of 50. Goal attack Gretel Tippett had one of her better games in the gold dress, landing 14/14.
Trailing 30-25 at halftime, New Zealand started the second half well with a 3-1 burst.
Every time the Ferns made a mini run, Australia responded at the other end of the court, keeping their composure on attack.
Australia pushed their lead to 10 goals early in the fourth quarter, but the Ferns fought back before a late flurry from the Diamonds extended the final margin.
Taurua kept the same starting lineup from Tuesday’s 61-37 drubbing of South Africa with Michaela Sokolich-beatson preferred over Sam Sinclair at wing defence.
Australia were forced into a change in their shooting end with goal attack Stephanie Wood sidelined with a thigh injury sustained in Wednesday’s win over England. Wood was replaced by Tippett in the shooting end and Liz Watson replaced Kelsey Browne at wing attack.
The Silver Ferns started positively and were well placed with the score at 8-8 after the opening nine minutes. Australia produced a storming finish to the quarter, outscoring the Ferns 8-3 to take a 16-11 lead.
Australia’s dominant play continued to start the second term with goal keep Courtney Bruce snaffling the ball off an errant Maria Folau pass.
New Zealand regained their rhythm with a 5-2 spark to cut Australia’s deficit to 18-16 with the Ferns prospering from greater defensive pressure through court.
Australia turned up the intensity with their defence, forcing the Silver Ferns to make frequent passes around the court before eventually finding the circle edge. That frustrated the New Zealand attackers and forced them into uncharacteristic mistakes.
The Silver Ferns would have been content to get into halftime down by just five (30-25), considering how difficult they found it to find their shooters in the attacking end in the first half.
Australia looked to be in control up by seven midway through the third quarter (38-31), but the Silver Ferns refused to go away.
At a glance
Australia 60 (Caitlin Bassett: 46/50, Gretel Tippett: 14/14) New Zealand 55 (Te Paea Selby-rickit: 15/20, Maria Folau: 30/34, Aliyah Dunn: 10/10).
Quarter scores: 1Q:16-11, HT:
30-25, 3Q: 45-38.