By Stephanie Smarrelli
The Origin Australian Diamonds have some work to do ahead of their next clash with the Silver Ferns, after losing match one of the Constellation Cup 56 to 48.
The Silver Ferns had a blitzing start to the match with their zone defence forcing the Origin Australian Diamonds into uncharacteristic errors.
However, Sarah Klau was on the prowl contesting for every feed into the circle to Grace Nweke with a gain and intercept early in the first quarter.
From that point onwards though, the Ferns were quick to capitalise off a few mistakes from the Diamonds. The cool head of New Zealand captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio and the trust between Peta Toeava and Nweke resulted in the Ferns stringing multiple goals together in a row.
The Ferns’ slick movement across the court gave them an 11-goal lead at the first break.
Both teams struggled to find momentum early in the second with the sides going goal for goal but having trouble finding a direct path.
The pressure from the Ferns was on the Diamonds from the get-go.New Zealand were the first to settle with the defensive duo of Phoenix Karaka and Kelly Jury causing headaches for the Diamonds’ attacking end. Their defensive pressure created turnover after turnover and kept Cara Koenen and Steph Wood quiet.
The Ferns finished the half with seven gains to one.
Despite not winning as much ball, the injection of Jamie-Lee Price, Sunday Aryang and Kiera Austin into the match during the second quarter aided the Diamonds in trimming the margin to eight goals.
The Diamonds had a big task ahead of them for the third quarter and they lifted in intensity to match the Ferns.
Making the most of their opportunities early the Diamonds thread the ball from defence into the goal circle for an Austin goal closely followed by a sharp drive from Cara Koenen for another, cutting the margin back to five.
New Zealand’s Kate Heffernan put up a challenge for Liz Watson, however, the Australian captain was able to find the circle’s edge and feed into Austin and Koenen.
Building pressure across the court the Diamonds continued to work their way back into the match with Diamonds debutant Parmenter starting to slow the speed of Toeava’s feeds into the Ferns’ goal circle. While Price fiercely chased down a loose ball and connected the Diamonds across the court.
Amy Parmenter became Diamond 185 when she stepped onto the court.Winning the third quarter, the Diamonds were still within reach heading into the fourth down by six.
However, it was not to be with the Silver Ferns extending their lead out to nine goals early.
Entering the goal circle after the first five minutes of the fourth quarter, Sophie Garbin and Steph Wood gave the Fern’s a fresh challenge. However it wasn't enough to halt the Ferns in their tracks.
Remaining in control and smothering the Diamonds with their defensive efforts the Ferns were too good and are now one step closer to retaining the Constellation Cup.
