By Sophie Taylor
The Origin Diamonds claimed an important 63-50 victory over the Silver Ferns in the final test of the 2024 Constellation Cup series after a challenging few weeks on the road.
A sold-out John Cain Arena crowd fired up to propel the Diamonds to their first win of the series, and while it was the New Zealand Silver Ferns that took home the trophy, it was not the clean sweep they had expected.
Despite a goal-for-goal start and topsy-turvy second quarter, the Diamonds shone bright after half-time to come away with an important win.
The defensive end was on fire from the starting whistle, with Courtney Bruce able to get hands to ball early on and continuing her ball-winning ways throughout the enticing clash.
At the other end, Liz Watson and Kate Moloney used every ounce of their connection to patiently work the ball into the goal circle as Sophie Garbin and Kiera Austin piled on the offensive pressure under the post.
But even with strong performances across the court early, it was the masterful move of Sunday Aryang into GD that proved crucial.
The defender had an instant impact upon taking the court at the beginning of the second quarter and continuously shone from there.
Despite a challenging start to the quarter, defensive pressure and smooth movement in attack was just what the doctor ordered with the Diamonds taking a six-goal lead into the main break.
If the second quarter was where things clicked, it was the third quarter that tied them up nicely.
Confidence was key coming into the second half and boy, did the squad deliver.
High pressure kept the finger on the pulse, extending the margin again and again against the Ferns’ best efforts.
Garbin’s ability to turn herself inside out against Kelly Jackson was crucial, while it seemed Austin and Aryang would be battling hard for player of the match privileges.
Aryang’s timing to get high for the ball continuously gave possession back in the hands of the attack, with Jamie-Le Price’s shutdown work on first Kimiora Poi, then Clare O’Brien and Maddy Gordon, playing into the Diamonds’ hands.
A comprehensive final quarter from the Diamonds handed them their first win of the series, wrapping up the competition with a bang.
