By Sophie Taylor
The Origin Australian Diamonds were pipped at the post in a challenging battle against the England Roses, falling short by two goals (59-61) in the down to the wire battle.
A new-look Australian lineup opened the second match of the series at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, and the new combinations didn’t stop there throughout a tight and physical contest.
Kiera Austin was on top of her game from the opening minute, providing a clear target and combining seamlessly with Cara Koenen who worked hard to create space under the post.
But improved ball speed from the Roses attack set the tone early, putting the Diamonds to work from the very start.
Boasting composure and clean hands, the Roses used their smarts to continuously swing momentum back as the Diamonds worked in overdrive to compete.
The Roses brought plenty of heat into the second quarter, fighting hard early to earn a two-goal lead early.
But Diamonds are made under pressure, and the ones on court were no different.
Every time the Roses got their noses ahead, the Diamonds managed to reel back the margin and regain control of the contest, leading by one goal at the main break.
Sophie Garbin was handed the goal shooter bib to begin the second half and was a clear target, reeling in the high balls and keeping defenders Fran Williams and Funmi Fadoju on their toes.
Greater pressure in transition and patience earned the Diamonds a lead once more, opening up to four goals before the combination of Fadoju and Williams managed to break even once more.
The Diamonds kept ahead going into the final break, but it was a threatening final 15 minutes from the Roses that changed the tone.
That high-pressure final quarter had both sides fighting for every single ball, eventually earning the Roses a tough two-goal victory.
Garbin top-scored for the Diamonds with 24 goals from 25 attempts, followed by Austin (19/22 and 23 goal assists) and Koenen (16/19).
Liv Tchine and Helen Housby shared the shooting load and forced rotations in the Diamonds’ defence, while Lois Pearson backed up a solid debut on Sunday with another great performance.
The two sides will shape up for the test series decider in Bendigo on Wednesday night.
