NZLvAUS: the rivalry is decided by 1 goal
October 2, 2015
Anna Stanley (nee Rowberry) and Belinda Colling celebrate their 2003 Netball World Cup victory © Netball NZ Archives.
One goal can be the difference between heartbreak or hero, gold or silver, winning or losing.
One goal has been the difference in 12 matches played between the Silver Ferns and Australian Diamonds.
In the lead up to the New World Netball Series for the Constellation Cup, silverferns.co.nz has been re-living some of the historic on-court battles between two of Netball’s powerhouses.
In the last of a four-part series from the book ‘Greatest Moments in New Zealand Netball History’, Dana Johannsen provides the final thoughts on the making of Netball’s greatest rivalry.
See the Silver Ferns take on the Diamonds in the New World Netball Series for the Constellation Cup – GET TICKETS!
‘A long rivalry filled with much drama’ (continued…)
By Dana Johannsen
READ MORE: Part One
READ MORE: Part Two
READ MORE: Part Three
If 1991 was heart-breaking, then the 1999 World Championship final in Christchurch was soul-destroying for Kiwi Netball fans.
The Silver Ferns looked well in control of Australia, leading by six goals heading in to the final quarter. But one by one the relentless green and gold machine pegged the goals back as New Zealand made a series of errors, allowing the Australians to snatch the win in the final seconds courtesy of a last-gasp goal to a young Sharelle McMahon.
Yes, that dreaded one-goal scoreline has haunted New Zealand throughout their history of international battles with Australia.
As former captain Bernice Mene puts it: “It seems every time we thought we were reaching the top of the ladder, there are green and gold shoes stamping on our fingers.”
But this is what has also arguably made the rivalry so great from New Zealand’s point of view.
VOTE NOW: Woman’s Day People Choice
While the Silver Ferns have regrettably been on the wrong side of some close losses, each successive loss has only strengthened the resolve of the Kiwis to find the necessary edge to beat Australia.
What makes Australian sides so tough has never changed over the years. They are formidable, ooze confidence, and have the mentally tough advantage that goes to those who win most of the close encounters over their biggest rivals.
Which is why the entire nation took pride in the Silver Ferns epic 66-64 double overtime victory against Australia in the 2010 Gold Medal Match of the Commonwealth Games; it was a magnificent display of guts and determination from a side that has so often failed to get across the line in the tight matches.
While the numbers are stacked in Australia’s favour when it comes to the win-loss tally there have been times when the Silver Ferns have enjoyed a healthy period of dominance over their nearest foes.
VOTE NOW: SKY Sport Moment of the Year
The late 1980’s were a watershed time for New Zealand Netball. Under the guidance of Dame Lois Muir, the Silver Ferns established themselves as the No. 1 force in world Netball.
They won the 1985 and 1989 World Games (for non-Olympic sports) and blitzed the competition at the 1987 World Championships in Glasgow, with their closest margin of victory being 11 goals.
That 1987 team are often regarded as one of the greatest teams of all-time with the likes of Tracey Fear, Sandra Edge, and the “two Margs” -- Forsyth and Matenga -- were considered some of the best netballers New Zealand has produced.
After the heartbreak of the 1990’s the Silver Ferns clawed their way back to the top of world netball at Australia’s expense early in the new millennium.
Their 2003 world championship victory in Kingston, Jamaica, kick-started another strong period of dominance in which New Zealand enjoyed an unprecedented winning record over Australia for the next three seasons.
Follow the Silver Ferns on the road to the New World Netball Series for the Constellation Cup by joining the team as a SilverFan! As a SilverFan you’ll get exclusive content, special offers and a members’-only e-newsletter. Join the team, become a SilverFan today!
One goal has been the difference in 12 matches played between the Silver Ferns and Australian Diamonds.
In the lead up to the New World Netball Series for the Constellation Cup, silverferns.co.nz has been re-living some of the historic on-court battles between two of Netball’s powerhouses.
In the last of a four-part series from the book ‘Greatest Moments in New Zealand Netball History’, Dana Johannsen provides the final thoughts on the making of Netball’s greatest rivalry.
See the Silver Ferns take on the Diamonds in the New World Netball Series for the Constellation Cup – GET TICKETS!
‘A long rivalry filled with much drama’ (continued…)
By Dana Johannsen
READ MORE: Part One
READ MORE: Part Two
READ MORE: Part Three
If 1991 was heart-breaking, then the 1999 World Championship final in Christchurch was soul-destroying for Kiwi Netball fans.
The Silver Ferns looked well in control of Australia, leading by six goals heading in to the final quarter. But one by one the relentless green and gold machine pegged the goals back as New Zealand made a series of errors, allowing the Australians to snatch the win in the final seconds courtesy of a last-gasp goal to a young Sharelle McMahon.
Yes, that dreaded one-goal scoreline has haunted New Zealand throughout their history of international battles with Australia.
As former captain Bernice Mene puts it: “It seems every time we thought we were reaching the top of the ladder, there are green and gold shoes stamping on our fingers.”
But this is what has also arguably made the rivalry so great from New Zealand’s point of view.
VOTE NOW: Woman’s Day People Choice
While the Silver Ferns have regrettably been on the wrong side of some close losses, each successive loss has only strengthened the resolve of the Kiwis to find the necessary edge to beat Australia.
What makes Australian sides so tough has never changed over the years. They are formidable, ooze confidence, and have the mentally tough advantage that goes to those who win most of the close encounters over their biggest rivals.
Which is why the entire nation took pride in the Silver Ferns epic 66-64 double overtime victory against Australia in the 2010 Gold Medal Match of the Commonwealth Games; it was a magnificent display of guts and determination from a side that has so often failed to get across the line in the tight matches.
While the numbers are stacked in Australia’s favour when it comes to the win-loss tally there have been times when the Silver Ferns have enjoyed a healthy period of dominance over their nearest foes.
VOTE NOW: SKY Sport Moment of the Year
The late 1980’s were a watershed time for New Zealand Netball. Under the guidance of Dame Lois Muir, the Silver Ferns established themselves as the No. 1 force in world Netball.
They won the 1985 and 1989 World Games (for non-Olympic sports) and blitzed the competition at the 1987 World Championships in Glasgow, with their closest margin of victory being 11 goals.
That 1987 team are often regarded as one of the greatest teams of all-time with the likes of Tracey Fear, Sandra Edge, and the “two Margs” -- Forsyth and Matenga -- were considered some of the best netballers New Zealand has produced.
After the heartbreak of the 1990’s the Silver Ferns clawed their way back to the top of world netball at Australia’s expense early in the new millennium.
Their 2003 world championship victory in Kingston, Jamaica, kick-started another strong period of dominance in which New Zealand enjoyed an unprecedented winning record over Australia for the next three seasons.
Follow the Silver Ferns on the road to the New World Netball Series for the Constellation Cup by joining the team as a SilverFan! As a SilverFan you’ll get exclusive content, special offers and a members’-only e-newsletter. Join the team, become a SilverFan today!