The Silver Ferns rallied to honour Irene van Dyk tonight with an emphatic 52-36 win over the Australian Diamonds in the New World International Netball Series test in Auckland.

Down 3-1 going into the final test of the series, the Silver Ferns saved their best for last as they sought to hand shooter van Dyk a fitting tribute in her 100th test for New Zealand.

• Quarter scores, line-ups & shooting statistics are below.
• Click here for the Match Photo Gallery.
• Click here for photos of Irene van Dyk's 100th Test celebrations.
  - all photos by Michael Bradley

There was nothing close about this game after the highest winning margin in the previous four tests had been four goals. The Silver Ferns piled on the pressure from the first whistle to the last.

The resulting 16-goal winning margin was the third highest by the Silver Ferns in test matches against Australia.

The Silver Ferns presented with their strongest line-up which included goal attack Maria Tutaia partnering van Dyk in goal. The Diamonds made one change with Lauren Nourse taking over the wing attack bib from Kimberlee Green.

Although there were early jitters from both teams on attack, it was the Silver Ferns who made the more purposeful start. Tutaia was to the forefront, her positional play and movement creating plenty of openings for van Dyk. Laura Langman and Joline Henry shored up the mid-court to blunt Australia's usual drive and punch on attack.

A four-goal lead quickly evaporated as the Diamonds came back strongly but the home team's timing on attack, where van Dyk and Tutaia took full advantage, propelled the Silver Ferns to an 11-9 first quarter lead.

The Silver Ferns picked up where they left off on the resumption with a forceful start, surging out to a five-goal lead on the back of consistent sweeping attacking movements and strong defensive tactics to limit the Diamonds renowned speed.

Green was introduced for the Diamonds as the visitors looked to reel in an increasingly confident-looking home team. Well-performed shooters Susan Pratley and Sharelle McMahon reduced the deficit to three before the Silver Ferns unleashed a block-busting finish to the half.

Sweet timing and slick ball delivery gave the Silver Ferns the upper hand as the goals disappeared with increased rapidity through the hoop. Under pressure, the Diamonds were bustled into turnovers as the Silver Ferns took control with a dazzling run to post a 28-18 half-time lead.

There was plenty of willingness in a frenzied third stanza as the Diamonds battled to get back into the match while the Silver Ferns looked to drive home their advantage. Maintaining their intensity and getting effective reward from their zone defence with Katrina Grant and Casey Williams picking up the spoils, the home team kept the pressure right on Australia.

The fluidity on attack was a step up from previous games with Tutaia being the creator and van Dyk the finisher. A bundle of energy throughout, centre Langman was a dominant figure. The athletic midcourter was always available on attack with her strong driving play, while picking up numerous intercepts on defence.

The Diamonds were unable to break the stranglehold as the Silver Ferns went to the final break with a healthy 39-28 lead.

Coach Norma Plummer replaced both her shooters with the experienced Catherine Cox and Natalie Medhurst as the Diamonds tried to repair some of the damage heading down the home straight. It proved a lost cause as the Silver Ferns maintained their passion and momentum to restrict the Diamonds to just eight goals while increasing their own margin in a match they led through each quarter.

Slideshow Image: Joline Henry (New Zealand) struggles for possession with Lauren Nourse (Australia) in tonight's match. (PHOTO: Michael Bradley)