Diamonds win match, but Kiwis still come away with big prize
THE AUSTRALIAN Diamonds have avoided an undesired series whitewash against New Zealand, winning the final match of the 2024 Constellation Cup 63 goals to 50.
Proceedings were tight early, but then the Diamonds were able to really put their foot down in the second and third quarters to really open up the game on the scoreboard. The Silver Ferns did stage a bit of a fightback in the final quarter and momentum was with them, but then they started to crack under the pressure in attack thanks to the pressure the Diamonds defenders gave.
The Silver Ferns did spend much of the match experimenting with combinations which would have certainly played a part in the result, but the Diamonds still played a really calm and composed game.
Diamonds skipper Liz Watson was back to her dominating best, putting up feeds and assist numbers more similar to what fans are used to seeing from her. She was well aided by Kate Moloney, who ran out the entire game in centre and matched the feeds and assists numbers of her skipper.
Meanwhile for New Zealand Grace Nweke was well held in terms of her volume, but did play only three quarters worth of the game. Maddy Gordon did have another solid performance though, finishing with 26 feeds and 19 assists.
In the earlier game, the Aussie Kelpies completed a series whitewash over the New Zealand Netblacks, winning the final match of their series 71 goals to 39.
It was a fitting farewell for the retiring Jerome Gillbard, who fittingly scored the very last goal of the match.
The win was built off the back of a strong defensive performance, with Josh Byron, Alastair Punshon and Victor Nikolic all starring.
AUSTRALIA 15 | 17 | 16 | 15 (63)
NEW ZEALAND 15 | 11 | 11 | 13 (50)
STARTING SEVENS
Australia
GS: Sophie Garbin
GA: Keira Austin
WA: Liz Watson
C: Kate Moloney
WD: Jamie-Lee Price
GD: Sarah Klau
GK: Courtney Bruce
New Zealand
GS: Amelia Walmsley
GA: Ameliaranne Ekenasio
WA: Kimiora Poi
C: Maddy Gordon
WD: Kate Heffernan
GD: Karin Burger
GK: Kelly Jackson
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