The Australian Diamonds held off a fast-finishing Silver Ferns 48-44 to level the Holden Netball Test Series at the Hisense Arena in Melbourne tonight.
The Silver Ferns, 53-50 winners of the 1st Test, were unable to make it 2-0 after the Diamonds rebounded strongly following Sunday's loss.

• See below for Match line-ups, quarter scores & shooting statistics
• Click here for the Photo Gallery - by Michael Bradley

Slow to adapt to the Diamonds more purposeful showing tonight, the Silver Ferns left their spirited reply too late, after letting the score balloon out for three-quarters of the match.

With the exception of the injury-enforced change at wing attack where Maree Bowden replaced the injured Liana Barrett-Chase, the Silver Ferns retained their starting line-up from the 1st Test.

For the Australian Diamonds, coach Norma Plummer opted for the speedy shooting duo of captain Sharelle McMahon, playing her 99th test and Susan Pratley, while also welcoming back influential centre Natalie von Bertouch from injury.

The Silver Ferns hauled themselves back into contention after a slow start, the Diamonds feeding off a number of turnovers as the visitors' attacking line took time to settle.

McMahon and Pratley showed some nice early touches with their timing and slick interplay in the Australian circle as the Diamonds forged an early lead. Strong midcourt defence was a feature as both sides tried to hold up the other's flow. The Silver Ferns found their feet in the latter stages of the stanza with Bowden and Temepara George finding more space, while Irene van Dyk and Maria Tutaia showed strong movement and finishing in the circle. Australia kept their noses in front to lead 13-10 at the first break.

Joline Henry was introduced at goal defence for Katrina Grant on the resumption but it was all Australia, in dominant mood during a forceful second quarter. As the match took a decisive lift in intensity, there was plenty of speedy play with the Diamonds displaying better execution while the Silver Ferns faltered.

McMahon was at her menacing best, her athleticism to the fore as she dictated the Diamonds' forward play. Enjoying more possession and shots at goal, the Australian captain and Pratley provided the dazzle and accurate finishing to hand the world champions a healthy lead.

Fledgling Silver Ferns shooter Paula Griffin replaced an injured Tutaia late in the quarter as Australia raced to a 27-19 half-time lead.

It was a rejigged Silver Ferns attack line that presented for the third quarter with George replacing Bowden at wing attack, Langman moving to centre and Larissa Willcox, in her second appearance for New Zealand, coming on at wing defence. But there was no let-up from the rampant Australians who exploded into over-drive with their quick, powerful and accurate delivery on attack.

McMahon and Pratley continued to work their magic while George found herself working overtime as she looked to settle the new-look Silver Ferns attack line. The Silver Ferns also found themselves under the pump at the other end of the court with the shooters under intense pressure from an imposing defensive effort from Julie Corletto and Susan Fuhrmann.

The return of van Bertouch added extra stability and impetus, her leadership pivotal as Australia stretched out to a 16-goal advantage at one stage before closing out the quarter well in control at 42-30.

A thrilling last quarter fightback inspired by the defensive exploits of Henry and Casey Williams sparked the best passage of the match for the Silver Ferns. With George and van Dyk responding at the other end of the court, the Silver Ferns went into free-scoring mode. Restricting Australia to just six goals for the stanza, the visitors chipped away at the imposing deficit, but in the end it all proved too little too late.

The 3rd and final test in Australia will be played in Brisbane on Sunday.

Slideshow Image: Laura Langman pressures Kimberlee Green in the mid-court. (PHOTO: Michael Bradley)