Australia became the first holders of the Constellation Cup after bouncing back to beat the Silver Ferns 46-40 in the deciding New World International Netball Series test in Auckland today.

With one win a piece coming into today’s third clash, the Diamonds completed a form reversal to come back from a 19-goal loss in the second to grab the Constellation Cup which will now be contested on an annual basis to decide trans-Tasman netball supremacy.

In a typically hard-fought and engaging contest between the pair, there was little to separate the combatants in today’s outing before Australia broke the shackles with a forceful final quarter.

Both teams opted for experienced combinations with Katrina Grant getting her opportunity in amongst a competitive clutch of defenders to partner captain Casey Williams in the Silver Ferns defensive circle.

The Australian Diamonds went for the slick and speedy shooting duo of captain Sharelle McMahon and Natalie Medhurst while 1.96m Susan Fuhrmann – the tallest player across both teams – got her first start of the series, to slot in at goalkeeper.

The intent was obvious from the start with both teams employing a pacy game and quick ball transfer. It wasn’t always accurate in the opening exchanges but it was the visitors who settled the best. The timing and speed of McMahon and Medhurst was pivotal in the Diamonds finding their rhythm on attack.

The towering Fuhrmann’s long reach was an effective spoiler in diffusing the threat of Silver Ferns shooters Irene van Dyk and Maria Tutaia as the Diamonds skipped out to a 14-9 first quarter lead.

The Silver Ferns highlighted a willing and action-packed second quarter with an emphatic start and finish. Quick out of the blocks on the resumption, and showing more fluidity on attack, the home were back on level terms after the opening five minutes.

Smothering defence helped the Diamonds regain the initiative with Medhurst continuing her strong showing under the post. The response through Williams and Joline Henry was emphatic, the Silver Ferns relishing the turnover ball to leave proceedings all tied up at 22-all at halftime.

With the Silver Ferns coaches having an eye on October’s Commonwealth Games, Daneka Wipiiti took over the shooting reigns from van Dyk for the second half. The intensity lifted another notch during the third stanza creating numerous turnovers for both teams.

Huge defensive efforts ruled proceedings, ultimately upsetting the timing of both attacking ends as the teams went neck-and-neck with neither able to grab the initiative.

Fortunes ebbed and flowed through a pulsating and abrasive 15 minutes as Williams and Grant snaffled their share of intercept ball while Fuhrmann and Mo’onia Gerrard were equally impressive at the other end.

Nothing could separate the teams as each battled and scrapped their way to the last break all locked up 31-all.

While Australia remained unchanged throughout the match, a reshuffle to the Silver Ferns line-up for the last quarter resulted in a loss of momentum.

Liana Barrett-Chase slotted in at wing attack while Temepara George took over the centre’s bib and Laura Langman went to the bench.

That did not last long as things went awry for the home team with Langman returning at centre to halt the slide. The Diamonds impressive defensive exploits continued to pay dividends as the Silver Ferns struggled to absorb the intensity.

With more ball at their disposable, the visitors were able to dictate the pace with a measured and considered presence on attack as they went on to dominate the final stanza.