Fast5 Ferns’ final hopes over with another loss
The Fast5 Ferns are facing their worst finish in the history of the Fast5 Netball World Series.
They slumped to their third loss in four games in netball’s shortened version in Christchurch yesterday, losing a 38-37 thriller to South Africa – which spelt the end to their hopes of making the one versus two final last night.
The Fast5 Ferns recovered from a poor start, where they scored just one goal in the first quarter and trailed 9-1 at the end of the term.
It was end-to-end netball in the fourth quarter with the Fast5 Ferns clawing their way back and taking the lead for the first time in the game after four and six point goals in the power play from sharpshooter Aliyah Dunn.
Trailing 37-32, South Africa’s Zandre Smit nailed a crunch six point power play goal to put her side back in the lead by one.
New Zealand had a chance to win the match with a one point goal, which would have become two via the power play, but Dunn opted for a three point attempt, which she missed.
The loss meant the Fast5 Ferns were to play off for the minor placings later yesterday and won’t feature in the one versus two final.
All three of the Fast5 Ferns’ losses have been by two goals or less, which will leave them wondering what if.
The Fast Ferns have a proud record at the Fast5 Netball World Series, winning seven of the past nine titles, including the last one in 2018 in Melbourne.
Their worst finish came in 2017 when they finished fourth – the only other time they haven’t qualified for the final.
The New Zealand men ran out comfortable 36-22 winners over England and were to take on trans-Tasman rivals Australia in the men’s final.
Uganda handed Australia their first loss of the tournament with an upset 32-30 win to kickstart day two yesterday.
Mary Nuba Cholhok was the hero for Uganda, landing a four point power play goal in the final seconds to lift her side to a momentous win.
It was Uganda’s first victory over Australia in either traditional netball or Fast5 competition.