Spirited second test outing from Silver Ferns

Turning on a much-improved effort, the Silver Ferns forced Australia to work hard for their 49-40 win in the second test of the Constellation Cup series in Melbourne on Wednesday.

After losing the first test in Invercargill last week by 17 goals, there was plenty to admire from the Silver Ferns in the rematch. Captain Casey Kopua was an influential figure in picking up a bounty of turnover ball, while getting her first taste of international netball, newcomer Ameliaranne Wells excelled in her debut and with it the prospect of a bright future.

The Silver Ferns momentum stalled at the beginning of the third quarter when changes were made to the line-up. Taking time to adjust, the Silver Ferns showed their intent with gutsy resolve, storming back admirably in the face of a rampant Australia to leave the Diamonds far from safe when leading 35-29 at the last break.

With Kopua again the shining light, the Silver Ferns made the best of starts in the run home, drawing to within two and with it the prospect of a major upset. However, rushes of blood resulted in costly turnovers.

With the game raising several notches, defensive pairing Julie Corletto and Laura Geitz proved pivotal in securing turnover ball which the towering Catlin Bassett converted at the other end as Australia hung to take a 2-0 lead in the four-test series.

The Silver Ferns presented with a new-look attack line, rookie Bailey Mes getting her first start at goal attack in her short five-test Silver Ferns career while Grace Rasmussen, back in the fold after a four-year absence, started at wing attack.

Rewarding her players for a job well done in the first test, Diamonds coach Lisa Alexander opted to retain her winning formula as both teams got off to measured starts.

The Silver Ferns produced a much tighter defensive effort to plug up the holes and deny Australia the speed and flow they had enjoyed in the first test. The visitors enjoyed plenty of opportunities in winning back a lot of ball defensively but a lack of accuracy under the hoop helped Australia keep their noses in front 11-7 at the first break.

Not for the first time this season, shooter Cathrine Latu found herself with a new goal attack on the restart when another rookie, Wells, was introduced for her international debut.

Queensland raised but with New Zealand parentage, the athletic Wells made an immediate impact, sinking her first shot, from range, with the calm and poise of a seasoned veteran.

Wells added a variety of options, her movement opening up the attacking momentum which provided the all-important lift in confidence and accuracy. The Silver Ferns through court play also improved, the ball movement and precision helping the visitors chip into the deficit.

Defenders Kopua and Katrina Grant forced numerous turnovers with solid back-up from 109-test veteran Laura Langman and Joline Henry as the Silver Ferns produced a spirited response.

With Latu converting a perfect 15 from 15 for the first half and the Silver Ferns heading the intercept count 7-1, the Diamonds were left looking over their shoulders when heading to the main break with a slender 24-21 lead.

The third test will be played in Sydney on Saturday.