Ferns revel in overdue win
Nine years of Constellation Cup misery is finally over for the Silver Ferns.
New Zealand snapped their long drought in Christchurch yesterday, winning another cliffhanger against Australia 45-43 to take the series 3-1.
Australia went into the decider down 2-1 and needing to win by two goals to retain the silverware, but again faded in the second half after leading by five goals at the main break.
The Ferns hadn’t won the trophy since 2012 but spurred on by 2500 fans at Christchurch Arena with spectators allowed again under a return to level 1, the Ferns finished powerfully for the second game in a row.
In a pulsating final quarter, little separated the sides on the scoreboard with netball’s heavyweights trading blows in search of victory.
With five minutes left it was all level at 40-40 in another classic contest between the transTasman rivals.
The Diamonds took a five-goal lead into halftime (22-17), the same amount of goals they led by in the third test and ended up losing by.
Australia started the second half positively, but the Ferns regained their flow on attack and began chipping into their deficit.
After being kept quiet in the first half, Maia Wilson, who slotted 41 goals in game three, was starting to get into her work.
The Ferns were generating greater defensive ball too with Karin Burger replacing Sulu Fitzpatrick in the defensive end early in third quarter.
Gina Crampton also returned at wing attack, having been benched earlier in the game.
A 12-6 burst to start the second half enabled the Ferns to hit the front at 29-28 for the first time since the opening minute.
The Constellation Cup hung in the balance approaching the last
At a glance
(Maia Wilson 36/40, Ameliaranne Ekenasio 9/12)
(Cara Koenen 15/19 Kiera Austin 28/35). Q1: 6-12, HT: 17-22, 3Q: 30-31. New Zealand win four-match series 3-1. quarter with a Kiera Austin goal to close out the third quarter giving the Diamonds a slim 31-30 edge before New Zealand came roaring back with a composed final quarter to secure a longawaited win nine-years in the making.
New Zealand 45
Australia 43