Silver Ferns win second test over Diamonds
The Silver Ferns are on target to win the Constellation Cup for just the fourth time after beating Australia 62-50 in game two of the series in Christchurch.
Backing up their 56-50 win of the first test on Sunday, the second outing producing an intens clash where the Silver Ferns had to dig deep before roaring home as the action now heads across the Tasman for the second leg of the series.
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The third test will be played in Sydney on Sunday (6pm NZ time).
Athalftime, the Silver Ferns were reeled in by a determined Diamonds side during the third quarter. Holding a narrow three-goal lead at the last turn.
The introduction of fresh legs in shooter Te Paea Selby-Rickit and the return of dynamic midcourter Peta Toeava to the court combined with their growing resilience, the Silver Ferns finished with a flourish.
The home side repelled the desperate Diamonds revival with a withering 17-8 final quarter burst to quash the visitors’ hopes while boosting their goal differential which could prove handy if matches are tied at two games apiece. If the teams are square after the four matches, goal differential will decide the winner of the Constellation Cup.
Australia employed a completely new defensive line to start the match with the response from the Diamonds as expected after their first test loss, showing strong attacking and defensive resolve from the outset as the first stanza produced a trans-Tasman arm-wrestle.
With Moloney having an impact at both ends of the court, Australia found more flow and accuracy on attack. Shooters Sophie Garbin and Kiera Austin defused the threat of Silver Ferns defenders Kelly Jackson and captain Karin Burger effectively.
The home side faced challenges in a blocked midcourt area, patience and the ability to work the ball around proving crucial before the final pass into shooter Grace Nweke eventuated.
Turnovers were rare both ways but the Silver Ferns made the most of their extra opportunities to slip into a 17-14 lead at the first break.
The Silver Ferns made a strong start on the resumption to extend their lead through the following 15 minutes. The Diamonds introduced a new in-circle defensive combination in the form of Courtney Bruce and Matilda Garrett as an increasingly willing contest unfolded.
The Silver Ferns midcourt pairing of Maddy Gordon and Toeava delivered a succession of long-range quickly released bombs into Nweke, further frustrating the Australian defenders while Burger and Jackson lifted their presence as the game heated up.
Australia continued to impress with their quick movement and ball speed on attack but the New Zealanders enjoyed slightly more ball and superior accuracy under the hoop with Nweke posting a perfect 26 from 26 as the home side hit the halftime break with a 33-26 lead.
With both side making changes for the third stanza, it was the Silver Ferns who got off to a flying 5-1 start but the Diamonds plugged away with a strong response. Squeezing New Zealand on attack, the Diamonds enjoyed their most productive run of the match with a succession of turnovers.
With rookie defender Jessie Grenvold combining strongly with Bruce, the Silver Ferns flow into Nweke became disjointed and error-strewn, the Australians pouncing to reduce an 11-goal deficit to just three at three-quarter time. It left the game delicately poised when the Silver Ferns led 45-42 at the last turn.
