Storming finish ends in bronze for FAST5 Ferns

The FAST5 Ferns saved their best until last with a powerful 39-25 win over England to close out their involvement at the FAST5 Netball World Series with the bronze medal in Christchurch on Sunday.

In a tournament of fluctuating fortunes, the FAST5 Ferns earned a place in the third vs fourth play-off and made no mistake in turning the table on England, who pipped them with a buzzer-beater in round robin play.

Full of purpose, the FAST5 Ferns got all aspects of their court working in unison in the match that counted most.

Shooters Aliyah Dunn and Georgia Heffernan found their range during the second quarter with Dunn owning the two-point zone in the second quarter with five successive shots from that area.

At the defensive end, Elle Temu had a strong outing with numerous intercept and rebound gains while the quick rotation between midcourters Sam Winders, Kimiora Poi and Tayla Earle ensured the pace was quick and frenetic throughout.

“We just wanted to secure possession, that’s the name of the game. Once we shortened the game up and got some under the post, we were away,” FAST5 Ferns co-captain Sam Winders said.

“I’m so proud, it was like a completely different team and if we had another day of competition, who knows what would have happened. But I’m just really happy with how we’ve ended up and so proud of the girls.”

The FAST5 Ferns broke a three-game losing streak when posting a convincing 40-22 win over Jamaica in their last round robin match to earn a place in the third-place playoff against England.

The New Zealanders made a safe and steady start against the young Jamaican team to nose in front at the first break.

From her comfort zone, Dunn lifted the impetus and got the FAST5 Ferns rolling with successive two-pointers, Tiana Metuarau following in similar fashion along with Heffernan when she was involved.

The FAST5 Ferns built on a handy eight-goal halftime buffer with a positive and productive second half. Improved transition through court helped the shooters positioning while the defence line posed a more structured resistance, with Kristiana Manu’a having a fine game, to keep the home side in control.

A flurry of two-point shots from Dunn and Metuarau in the run home helped hand the FAST5 Ferns an all-important win.  

The FAST5 Ferns day got off to the worst possible start when they were pipped 38-37 in their must-win first-up match against South Africa.

Digging themselves into a hole following a wobbly first quarter when they lacked punch and accuracy on attack to trail 9-1, the New Zealanders gave a better account of themselves in the second stanza. The introduction of Dunn provided a taller target under the hoop, the nerveless goaler responded with successive two-pointers to get the team back in the contest.

Heffernan and Poi also added impetus as the FAST5 Ferns continued to chip into the deficit, a big third leaving the margin just two in South Africa’s favour heading into the last break.

A maximum super shot from Dunn in the last quarter power play looked to have clinched it for the FAST5 Ferns before impressive Proteas shooter Zandre Smit delivered a carbon copy at the other end to end the home team’s hopes and any chance of playing in the Grand Final.