Silver Ferns mark Kopua’s milestone with thrilling comeback win
October 25, 2015
Silver Ferns got the win in captain Casey Kopua’s 100th Test at Hisense Arena, Melbourne © Michael Bradley Photography
The Silver Ferns celebrated captain Casey Kopua’s 100th Test Cap with a thrilling 50-47 win over Australia in Melbourne on Sunday to breathe new life into the Constellation Cup Test Series.
After dropping the first two Tests of the four-match series, the New Zealand team fittingly honoured the popular Kopua, who became the sixth Silver Fern to reach the 100-Test milestone, in style after producing a brave fight-back in the third match-up.
The Silver Ferns had their moments in the first half but with ever-improving shooter Bailey Mes finding her touch during a rampant second half, the visitors outscored the Diamonds 29-19.
After tying the game up at three-quarter time, the Silver Ferns scored the first three goals of the final stanza to gain the momentum in the run home. The Diamonds, who tried several shooting options during the match, however, ensured in would be a gripping contest until the end after levelling up with just over five minutes to go.
But finding their flow on attack during the second half through the resolute play of Laura Langman, Grace Rasmussen and Jodi Brown, the Silver Ferns held their composure to deliver the required accuracy and finishing to keep their noses in front.
At the other end, Kopua and Katrina Grant kept a solid grip on Australia’s attacking momentum, gaining vital turnover ball and effectively shutting down the threat of a comeback by the hosts.
Rising young talent Malia Paseka got her first taste of action in the series when starting the game at goal attack for the Silver Ferns with Leana de Bruin getting the nod at goal defence.
With Laura Geitz and Gabi Simpson being rested and vice-captain Renae Ingles injured, the Australian Diamonds fronted with a new-looking line-up, the 1.92m Gretel Tippett getting the start at wing attack and Ashleigh Brazill at wing defence, in her international debut.
The Silver Ferns made an energetic and encouraging start to level peg with the world champions in the early stages but their low shooting percentage gave Australia the upper hand through the stanza.
Paseka and Mes took time to find their connections in the shooting circle while a rash of late errors did not help the Silver Ferns cause, the Diamonds taking full toll to forge a six-goal, 15-9 lead at the first break.
The experienced Brown took over from Paseka on the resumption while Grant assumed the goal defence bib, the pair helping lift the tempo and impetus from the Silver Ferns.
Gaining more defensive turnover opportunities, the Silver Ferns showed some real resolve to edge within two after trailing by as many as seven but just as quickly undid all the good work.
Australia were quick to pounce on any Silver Ferns lapses, finishing strongly with slick through-court play and the accuracy of Caitlin Bassett under the hoop to repair the inroads made by the New Zealanders and with it a handy 28-21 lead at the main break.
Initially hanging on grimly after going down by as many as nine goals in the third stanza, the Silver Ferns slowly but surely made a telling move as they effectively ate into the Diamonds lead.
With Mes finding her range under the hoop as well as reeling in several decisive rebounds ably supported by the playmaking skills of Brown, the Silver Ferns had their most productive period of the match.
Defensively the Silver Ferns won a clutch of turnover ball, growing in confidence to score the last five goals, ensuring an exciting run to the line when levelling the scores at 36-all heading into the last break.
The fourth and final Test will be held in Perth on Friday. New Zealand Netball fans can see all the action LIVE on SKY Sport 4 from 11.45pm (NZT).
After dropping the first two Tests of the four-match series, the New Zealand team fittingly honoured the popular Kopua, who became the sixth Silver Fern to reach the 100-Test milestone, in style after producing a brave fight-back in the third match-up.
The Silver Ferns had their moments in the first half but with ever-improving shooter Bailey Mes finding her touch during a rampant second half, the visitors outscored the Diamonds 29-19.
After tying the game up at three-quarter time, the Silver Ferns scored the first three goals of the final stanza to gain the momentum in the run home. The Diamonds, who tried several shooting options during the match, however, ensured in would be a gripping contest until the end after levelling up with just over five minutes to go.
But finding their flow on attack during the second half through the resolute play of Laura Langman, Grace Rasmussen and Jodi Brown, the Silver Ferns held their composure to deliver the required accuracy and finishing to keep their noses in front.
At the other end, Kopua and Katrina Grant kept a solid grip on Australia’s attacking momentum, gaining vital turnover ball and effectively shutting down the threat of a comeback by the hosts.
Rising young talent Malia Paseka got her first taste of action in the series when starting the game at goal attack for the Silver Ferns with Leana de Bruin getting the nod at goal defence.
With Laura Geitz and Gabi Simpson being rested and vice-captain Renae Ingles injured, the Australian Diamonds fronted with a new-looking line-up, the 1.92m Gretel Tippett getting the start at wing attack and Ashleigh Brazill at wing defence, in her international debut.
The Silver Ferns made an energetic and encouraging start to level peg with the world champions in the early stages but their low shooting percentage gave Australia the upper hand through the stanza.
Paseka and Mes took time to find their connections in the shooting circle while a rash of late errors did not help the Silver Ferns cause, the Diamonds taking full toll to forge a six-goal, 15-9 lead at the first break.
The experienced Brown took over from Paseka on the resumption while Grant assumed the goal defence bib, the pair helping lift the tempo and impetus from the Silver Ferns.
Gaining more defensive turnover opportunities, the Silver Ferns showed some real resolve to edge within two after trailing by as many as seven but just as quickly undid all the good work.
Australia were quick to pounce on any Silver Ferns lapses, finishing strongly with slick through-court play and the accuracy of Caitlin Bassett under the hoop to repair the inroads made by the New Zealanders and with it a handy 28-21 lead at the main break.
Initially hanging on grimly after going down by as many as nine goals in the third stanza, the Silver Ferns slowly but surely made a telling move as they effectively ate into the Diamonds lead.
With Mes finding her range under the hoop as well as reeling in several decisive rebounds ably supported by the playmaking skills of Brown, the Silver Ferns had their most productive period of the match.
Defensively the Silver Ferns won a clutch of turnover ball, growing in confidence to score the last five goals, ensuring an exciting run to the line when levelling the scores at 36-all heading into the last break.
The fourth and final Test will be held in Perth on Friday. New Zealand Netball fans can see all the action LIVE on SKY Sport 4 from 11.45pm (NZT).