A strong final quarter pushed Australia out to a hard-fought 48-43 win over the Silver Ferns in the Holden Netball Test Series at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre today.
It was a typical trans-Tasman clash, closely contested throughout. With the win being all-important for both teams, the twin intent of building on combinations for the Commonwealth Games in October is also set to play a prominent role in the three-test series between the old rivals. And it was no exception today.
Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken opted for an experienced starting seven with Irene van Dyk and Maria Tutaia taking up their accustomed shooting positions. Finding a more permanent home out on the wing, pocket rocket Temepara George assumed the wing attack’s bib with Laura Langman (centre) and Joline Henry rounding out the midcourt. Captain Casey Williams slotted in at goal defence with Katrina Grant tucked in behind at goalkeeper.
With Australia’s squad still in a trial situation with three players to be cut after today’s test for the remaining two showdowns in New Zealand next week and the Commonwealth Games, there was no shortage of motivation for the Diamonds.
The short but extremely quick attacking duo of captain Sharelle McMahon (goalshoot) and the well-performed Natalie Medurst (goal attack) got the starting nod from coach Norma Plummer.
Lauren Nourse (wing attack), Natalie von Bertouch (centre), Renae Hallinan (wing defence), Mo’onia Gerrard (goal defence) and Laura Geitz (goalkeeper) rounded out the Diamonds starting seven.
The Silver Ferns enjoyed the best of the opening stages, showing urgency and speedy transfer around the circle edge to build a four-goal buffer. The Australian shooters struggled initially against the mobility and height advantage of Williams and Grant, who snapped up vital turnover ball.
The hosts, however, tightened up defensively with Gerrard and Geitz turning up the heat while Australia put a lot of pressure on New Zealand’s centre pass. The speed and timing of McMahon and Medhurst began to pay dividends as the well-performed duo got their team back on level terms as the teams went to the first break all tied up at 12-all.
The action ebbed and flowed in an increasingly willing contest through an absorbing second stanza. Australia’s well organised defensive line, where Hallinan featured strongly, slowed the Silver Ferns progress through the attacking third.
The intensity showed no signs of abating as long passages of play had the ball swinging back and forth between the goal thirds. Williams continued to stand out for the Silver Ferns with her ability in the air and attack through court being pivotal as little separated the teams.
Showing slightly better accuracy after both teams had put up 26 attempts apiece, Australia edged to a 23-21 lead at the halftime break.
The injection, from the bench, of Liana Barrett-Chase to wing attack and Leana de Bruin to goalkeeper provided a momentum shift for the Silver Ferns for the start of the second half. With George taking over the centre bib and Langman moving to wing defence, the visitors showed better accuracy on attack. With her nippy movement, Barrett-Chase was instrumental in delivering a better quality of ball into space for van Dyk and Tutaia.
It paid dividends as the Silver Ferns edged back into the lead and held on to a narrow 36-35 lead heading into the home straight.
Kim Green (wing attack) and Susan Fuhrmann (goalkeeper) came off the bench for Australia in a thrilling final push by both teams. Running neck and neck, it was Australia who stole the vital march on the back of missed opportunities by their opponents, to finish with a flourish.
