Silver Ferns bounce back in Constellation Cup
October 13, 2016
Celebrating a rare visit to Tasmania, the Silver Ferns made it one win apiece in the Constellation Cup after posting a 53-51 win over Australian in Launceston on Wednesday.
The Silver Ferns rebounded strongly from their 12-goal First Test loss three days ago to deliver new coach Janine Southby her first win over Australia and set the four-Test Series alight heading into the New Zealand leg of the series.
The Silver Ferns retained the same playing 12 to the First Test but made changes to the starting line-up with Te Paea Selby-Rickit getting the nod at goal attack and Anna Harrison slotting in at goalkeeper.
A strong defensive effort helped the Silver Ferns get away to a solid start. Wing defence Laura Langman slowed the Diamonds efforts on attack while the experienced pairing of Harrison and captain Katrina Grant kept the Australian shooters honest.
Finding their groove on attack with Selby-Rickit playing a strong hand, the Silver Ferns were well in the contest when the Diamonds took a narrow 15-11 lead into the first break.
The visitors turned up the heat on the resumption, pushing Australia at every turn to level up the scores.
Selby-Rickit continued to impress with her composure, converting all her first half attempts in just her sixth international outing as the Silver Ferns took the game to Australia.
The long limbs of Harrison continued to be a forceful presence with her disruptive abilities while Langman kept the dangerous Madi Robinson quiet. With Australia struggling with their connections, the Silver Ferns squared up proceedings, tying the scores at 29-all at halftime.
With both teams making tactical substitutions at goal attack, Ameliaranne Ekenasio for the Silver Ferns and Gretel Tippett for Australia, it was the New Zealanders who held sway during the third stanza.
Playing a smart brand of Netball with their attack and defensive ends delivering effectively, the Silver Ferns shot out to a five-goal advantage before Australia made a late charge, trimming the visitor’s lead back to 42-40 at the last break and the promise of an exciting run home.
Australia made the best of starts, quickly levelling the scores as the pair went toe-to-toe through the final quarter. Shooter Bailey Mes showed her steadiness under the hoop, both on the shot and with her ability to reel in rebounds, a late Langman intercept finally turning the game the Silver Ferns way.
The Silver Ferns and Australian Diamonds will now head to Vector Arena in Auckland on Saturday night for the third Test of the New World Netball Series for the Constellation Cup – GET TICKETS.
The Silver Ferns rebounded strongly from their 12-goal First Test loss three days ago to deliver new coach Janine Southby her first win over Australia and set the four-Test Series alight heading into the New Zealand leg of the series.
The Silver Ferns retained the same playing 12 to the First Test but made changes to the starting line-up with Te Paea Selby-Rickit getting the nod at goal attack and Anna Harrison slotting in at goalkeeper.
A strong defensive effort helped the Silver Ferns get away to a solid start. Wing defence Laura Langman slowed the Diamonds efforts on attack while the experienced pairing of Harrison and captain Katrina Grant kept the Australian shooters honest.
Finding their groove on attack with Selby-Rickit playing a strong hand, the Silver Ferns were well in the contest when the Diamonds took a narrow 15-11 lead into the first break.
The visitors turned up the heat on the resumption, pushing Australia at every turn to level up the scores.
Selby-Rickit continued to impress with her composure, converting all her first half attempts in just her sixth international outing as the Silver Ferns took the game to Australia.
The long limbs of Harrison continued to be a forceful presence with her disruptive abilities while Langman kept the dangerous Madi Robinson quiet. With Australia struggling with their connections, the Silver Ferns squared up proceedings, tying the scores at 29-all at halftime.
With both teams making tactical substitutions at goal attack, Ameliaranne Ekenasio for the Silver Ferns and Gretel Tippett for Australia, it was the New Zealanders who held sway during the third stanza.
Playing a smart brand of Netball with their attack and defensive ends delivering effectively, the Silver Ferns shot out to a five-goal advantage before Australia made a late charge, trimming the visitor’s lead back to 42-40 at the last break and the promise of an exciting run home.
Australia made the best of starts, quickly levelling the scores as the pair went toe-to-toe through the final quarter. Shooter Bailey Mes showed her steadiness under the hoop, both on the shot and with her ability to reel in rebounds, a late Langman intercept finally turning the game the Silver Ferns way.
The Silver Ferns and Australian Diamonds will now head to Vector Arena in Auckland on Saturday night for the third Test of the New World Netball Series for the Constellation Cup – GET TICKETS.