Rough Diamonds blunted in Cup opener

Tuesday, 2 March 2021:

VERITY CHARLES.
VERITY CHARLES.


The new-look Stacey Marinkovich-led Diamonds have slipped to defeat on their return to Test netball, losing 49-44 to New Zealand in their Constellation Cup opener on Tuesday night.

Some 492 days since the Diamonds' last outing and just two days out of quarantine, Australia were beaten out of the blocks in Christchurch and never recovered.

"There were some really good passages of play (but) the consistency wasn't there," Marinkovich conceded.

"We took a little bit of time to adjust to ... the different style of defence.

"Once we got that, you could see the brand we want to play and the speed we want to take the ball through."

The victory will raise Kiwi hopes of winning the Cup for the first time since 2012.

Down by four at quarter time and seven at the half, New Zealand's lead blew out to double figures in the third term before Australia mounted a comeback.

Marinkovich rang the changes and had some success as captain Caitlin Bassett and debutant Kiera Austin in goal attack put on five straight goals.

The injection of Karin Burger in defence midway through the third term turned the tables and the Silver Ferns went to the last change ahead 40-31.

Centre Liz Watson said the Diamonds made "basic errors" and "struggled to get through the zone defence".

Australia shaded Aotearoa in the fourth quarter, winning it 13-9, but left themselves too much to do.

Bassett, the regular skipper under former coach Lisa Alexander but the first of Marinkovich's rotated leaders in this series, scored 19 goals from 21 attempts in a typically strong display.

Against a steely Silver Ferns defence, Austin showed early nerves, missing four of her first 10 before finishing with 18 from 24.

Verity Charles also made a Diamonds debut, playing the second half at wing attack.

A third debutant, Cara Koenen, took Bassett's place for the fourth term and scored seven, shooting at 100 per cent.

The series is being played behind closed doors this week, with crowds banned and matches in Tauranga moved south due to a COVID-19 outbreak.

Australia will need to win the final three games or tie the series 2-2 with a healthier goal difference to retain the Constellation Cup for an eighth straight time.

Silver Ferns coach Noeline Taurua, who masterminded a boilover 2019 World Cup-final win over Australia, served the Diamonds notice of their intent.

"We're gunning for it. Now is the time for us," Taurua said.

New Zealand may be without captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio for Wednesday's game two with the goal attack struggling post-match with a calf injury.

The series concludes with matches on Saturday and Sunday.






AAP






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