Slow start proves costly for Silver Ferns in Quad Series opener
January 29, 2017
The Silver Ferns sing the national anthem in their opening Test of the 2017 season. Image: Reg Caldecott.
A last quarter surge was not enough to prevent the Silver Ferns falling 57-50 to the Australia Diamonds in the opening match of the 2017 Netball Quad Series in Durban, South Africa on Sunday.
With wing defence Samantha Sinclair making her international debut, the Silver Ferns were left to rue a slow start in an otherwise evenly contested match where they pushed strongly on numerous occasions.
The Silver Ferns threatened to upset the defending Quad Series champions with a momentum-swinging final quarter when they closed to within three goals of Australia on the back of increased intensity and urgency.
Untimely lapses proved costly in the early season showdown, the Silver Ferns unable to fully capitalise on their opportunities as the Diamonds held their nerve down the home straight.
Australia got away to a seamless start, their pace on attack and slick interplay between shooters Susan Pettitt and Caitlin Thwaites leaving the Silver Ferns in chase mode.
The Silver Ferns reigned in the fast tempo start of their opponents, who enjoyed the bulk of the possession before they found their feet with a strong finish to the opening stanza.
Trailing 16-10 at the first break, the Silver Ferns delivered an improved showing on the resumption, finding more consistency and flow on attack as the ball was worked with more regularity to shooters Maria Tutaia and Bailey Mes.
The Silver Ferns produced a staunch fightback to contain the Diamonds with a forceful defensive effort while the accuracy and mobility of Tutaia and Mes helped narrow the deficit to just three goals midway through the stanza.
However, Australia were quick to punish any loose play, finishing the quarter with a flourish to maintain a healthy 30-23 lead at the main break.
With Jane Watson replacing Anna Harrison at goalkeeper for the second half, the Silver Ferns produced another competitive quarter during the third stanza while lacking the killer blow to make significant inroads into Australia’s lead.
Grace Rasmussen was a strong contributor from wing attack for the Silver Ferns while respective goal attacks Tutaia and Pettitt, in her international comeback, were influential figures, the Diamonds doing enough to maintain their edge when leading 45-37 at the last break.
The Silver Ferns now head to the UK where they will play the England Roses on Friday morning (NZ time).
With wing defence Samantha Sinclair making her international debut, the Silver Ferns were left to rue a slow start in an otherwise evenly contested match where they pushed strongly on numerous occasions.
The Silver Ferns threatened to upset the defending Quad Series champions with a momentum-swinging final quarter when they closed to within three goals of Australia on the back of increased intensity and urgency.
Untimely lapses proved costly in the early season showdown, the Silver Ferns unable to fully capitalise on their opportunities as the Diamonds held their nerve down the home straight.
Australia got away to a seamless start, their pace on attack and slick interplay between shooters Susan Pettitt and Caitlin Thwaites leaving the Silver Ferns in chase mode.
The Silver Ferns reigned in the fast tempo start of their opponents, who enjoyed the bulk of the possession before they found their feet with a strong finish to the opening stanza.
Trailing 16-10 at the first break, the Silver Ferns delivered an improved showing on the resumption, finding more consistency and flow on attack as the ball was worked with more regularity to shooters Maria Tutaia and Bailey Mes.
The Silver Ferns produced a staunch fightback to contain the Diamonds with a forceful defensive effort while the accuracy and mobility of Tutaia and Mes helped narrow the deficit to just three goals midway through the stanza.
However, Australia were quick to punish any loose play, finishing the quarter with a flourish to maintain a healthy 30-23 lead at the main break.
With Jane Watson replacing Anna Harrison at goalkeeper for the second half, the Silver Ferns produced another competitive quarter during the third stanza while lacking the killer blow to make significant inroads into Australia’s lead.
Grace Rasmussen was a strong contributor from wing attack for the Silver Ferns while respective goal attacks Tutaia and Pettitt, in her international comeback, were influential figures, the Diamonds doing enough to maintain their edge when leading 45-37 at the last break.
The Silver Ferns now head to the UK where they will play the England Roses on Friday morning (NZ time).