The Origin Australian Diamonds claimed a commanding opening test win over the South Africa Spar Proteas on Wednesday night, fighting through a tough Proteas effort to take home the 62-43 win at the Cairns Convention Centre.
The Origin Diamonds’ maiden test match in Cairns also marked the debut of Diamond #191, Victorian-born defender Matilda Garrett.
South Africa got the jump early, fighting hard to claim a two-goal ascendancy in the opening minutes off the back of uncharacteristic Diamonds errors, as speedy goaler Nichole Taljaard flew out of the blocks.
But the world champions were quick to recover, as the long reach of Sunday Aryang and Sarah Klau paid dividends to send the ball rocketing back up the court.
Sophie Dwyer had no problems during her first start in the green and gold, combining seamlessly with Sophie Garbin to extend the Diamonds’ lead to eight goals at the first break.
Neither side could get a break in the second term, with the Diamonds holding onto a 10-goal lead but the Proteas refusing to go away.
Phumza Maweni’s long arms were crucial as her combination with Karla Pretorius proved impressive as ever to ensure the Diamonds didn’t extend their margin.
Continued smooth movement from both Dwyer and Garbin meant easy work for Jamie-Lee Price and Paige Hadley on the feed, with both sitting in double digits for goal assists by half time.
A 10-goal buffer at the main break saw goal defence Garrett earn her Diamonds debut in as the third quarter came around.
A huge roar from a 3173-strong Cairns crowd marked the occasion, as the defender combined seamlessly with Sarah Klau and Amy Parmenter to pile on the pressure.
A Klau deflection over a Lefebre Rademan attempt got the crowd on their feet again, as the Origin Diamonds began to put their foot down.
The Diamonds held a convincing 14-goal lead heading into the final change, marking the perfect opportunity to bring in some fresh legs as Donnell Wallam, Cara Koenen and Liz Watson took the court for the final term.
With fancy footwork and smooth midcourt movement in full tow, the Origin Diamonds ran home with a 19-goal victory.
It was the Diamonds’ strong start and second half consolidation that combined for the victory, seeing plenty of composure under pressure.
Garbin (31 goals from 35 attempts) was prolific, leading the charge for the Diamonds, as South Africa’s Ine-Mari Venter piled on the pressure with 24 goals at 86 per cent.
Price (20 goal assists) and Klau (nine gains) starred for Australia, as South African duo Maweni and Pretorius combined for six gains.
Both side will shape up again over the next week, with matches in Hobart on October 29 and 31.
