THE Australian Diamonds were once again rocked heading into game two of the Northern Quad Series with the news of Gabi Simpson a late withdrawal with injury following a practice match last week. With two game-making Aussies out of the side, it was the perfect opportunity for the New Zealand Silver Ferns to take control and come out firing. Despite an intense final quarter, the Diamonds prevailed to come out on top with a 53 – 50 win ahead of the round three Quad Series decider.

The Diamonds came into their round two matchup with the Silver Ferns ready to put their sloppy round one outing against South Africa to rest. New Zealand were looking for a big start to replicate their first half against England in round one, however a strong 14 – 6 opening quarter from Australia had the Diamonds looking dangerous early on. Despite New Zealand’s best efforts, the Diamonds came out with all guns blazing, and the Silver Ferns were unable to convert until almost four minutes into the game.

Australia’s strong start did not last long, with New Zealand and Australia both having a 13-point second quarter before New Zealand won back the second half, shooting 30 – 26 after a 19-goal first half. The Diamonds’ movement through their midcourt was stellar at times, while New Zealand could not seem to push the ball into the goal circle.

In a frustrating first quarter, the Silver Ferns had to revert to their signature long-bomb style of play courtesy of Maria Folau and Ameliaranne Ekenasio, shooting 9/13 from a distance in the first half, before improving for 21/27 by the end of the game. Australian defenders Jo Weston and Courtney Bruce effectively shut down Ekenasio with an impactful defensive rotation in the first half of the game, however Ekenasio recovered well in the second half to shoot 13/14.

Diamonds goal shooter Caitlin Thwaites was outstanding throughout the game, shooting at a near-perfect 92 per cent accuracy after missing one shot in the second quarter for 31/32 in the ring. Thwaites set the standard in the circle, unwilling to let her starting spot slip away as it did in round one against South Africa. Steph Wood had a good opening quarter in goal attack, however her impressive movement in the attacking third did not translate to her shooting, sitting at 9/14 with a 64 per cent accuracy at half-time.

Despite Australia’s defensive effectiveness, crowding was a big problem in the attacking third, giving the Silver Ferns plenty of opportunities to capitalise on small errors and turnovers. New Zealand goal defence Casey Kopua was a revelation in her second international game back in the side, coming away with three gains after taking Steph Wood all but out of the game. Wood was replaced by round one MVP Gretel Tippett early in the third quarter, with Tippett having an immediate impact on the game. Tippett shot at 100 per cent accuracy in her time on court, likely cementing her starting seven position for Australia’s final match of the tournament.

The Diamonds’ defenders were sloppy in the final quarter, with Weston and Bruce receiving five and eight penalties respectively, in comparison to New Zealand defenders Jane Watson and Kopua sharing four penalties between them. Australian wing defence Jamie-Lee Price was named player of the match, after an impressive full game in the absence of Gabi Simpson.

Fortunately the Aussies were able to hold on to the win, but Diamonds coach Lisa Alexander will want Weston and Bruce to clean up their act in defence ready for a hard battle and decider against England on home soil tomorrow.

AUSTRALIA STARTING SEVEN

GS: Caitlin Thwaites

GA: Steph Wood

WA: Kelsey Browne

C: Liz Watson

WD: Jamie-Lee Price

GD: Jo Weston

GK: Courtney Bruce

BENCH: Gretel Tippett, Kate Moloney, April Brandley, Emily Mannix, Kiera Austin

NEW ZEALAND STARTING SEVEN

GS: Maria Folau

GA: Ameliaranne Ekenasio

WA: Gina Crampton

C: Sam Sinclair

WD: Laura Langman

GD: Casey Kopua

GK: Jane Watson

BENCH: Karin Burger, Whitney Souness, Kimiora Poi, Erin Mikaere, Maia Wilson