Silver Ferns Save Best Until Last
The Silver Ferns showed spirited resilience before falling 51-47 to Australia in the fourth test of the Constellation Cup series at The Trusts Arena in Auckland on Wednesday.
Losing by heavy margins in the previous three tests, the Silver Ferns put on their best effort in the last of the series, displaying encouraging signs of future potential with a positive and gutsy showing for their injured captain Casey Kopua.
With the Silver Ferns leading for much of the match and playing a dominant role through the middle stages, it took the introduction of a trio of heavyweights for the Diamonds to chase down the New Zealanders in the closing minutes.
Despite the Diamonds introducing the big three of Kim Ravaillion, Natalie Medhurst and Caitlin Bassett for the second half, the Silver Ferns pushed on from an impressive first half, their growing confidence lifting the team to new heights in a strong third quarter.
Goal attack Jodi Brown, played an inspiring role in providing a pin-point service to the well-positioned Bailey Mes while the defence line continued to challenge the Australians on attack, Temalisi Fakahokotau and Katrina Grant securing vital intercepts.
Injured Diamonds skipper Laura Geitz was replaced by Sharni Layton early in the third stanza, the Silver Ferns sealing a strong quarter to take a 38-34 lead heading down the home straight.
The Diamonds, however, proved they were far from done, finishing with a strong burst as they drew level then forged a two-goal lead with two minutes to play, through the composed play of Medhurst and the defensive exploits of Julie Corletto and Layton.
Both teams made changes for the final showdown, the Silver Ferns trialling another shooting combination, the lanky Mes pairing with the crafty Brown under the hoop while Grant and Leana de Bruin were named as the in-circle defensive pairing in the absence of Kopua.
Australia presented with a new-look attack line, Caitlin Thwaites and Tegan Caldwell combing in goal and the experienced Kim Green starting at centre.
There were early teething problems for both teams as they settled into working with new combinations but there was no denying the sense of real determination from the Silver Ferns.
The major work-on for the Silver Ferns of getting more ball into the circle showed vast improvement with some slick interplay, flow and speed giving the hosts a much better volume to score from.
Making a much better fist of the opening quarter, the Silver Ferns ensured a tighter contest when the Diamonds went to the first break with a narrow 12-11 lead.
Exciting young defender Fakahokotau became the 160th Silver Fern when introduced on the resumption for de Bruin, gaining the seal of approval from her home crowd in the process.
The Silver Ferns determination continued to shine through an absorbing second stanza, stand-in captain Laura Langman, becoming the second most capped New Zealander player in her 111th consecutive test, leading the charge with an inspiring showing across the court.
While struggling with her accuracy, Mes’ athleticism and movement opened up the Silver Ferns attacking momentum in tandem with the court craft of the veteran Brown and silky skills of Grace Rasmussen.
Fokahokotau didn’t disappoint on debut, providing a strong defensive showing in casting doubt amongst the Australian shooters and gaining valuable turnover ball.
The two wings for the Diamonds, Madi Robinson (attack) and Renae Hallinan (defence) were valuable contributors in keeping the visitors well within touch as the Silver Ferns reversed the scoreline to take a 22-21 lead into the main break.