A stirring third-quarter has earned the Diamonds a comeback win over New Zealand and ensured a dramatic week for Netball Australia ended with possession of the Constellation Cup.
Key factors:
- Australia claimed the Constellation Cup on objective distinction after tying the collection 2-2
- The win comes days after Hancock Prospecting withdrew their sponsorship provide to Netball Australia
- An electrical third-quarter was sufficient for the Diamonds to take management of the sport
Australia trailed by six early towards New Zealand at a packed Gold Coast Conference and Exhibition Centre, and the Silver Ferns maintained sturdy all-court depth to carry a five-goal lead on the essential break.
However a 19-8 third quarter powered by objective assault Steph Wooden and captain Liz Watson turned the tables because the hosts prevailed 57-53.
Australia’s huge win in Melbourne on Wednesday was sufficient to make sure the Diamonds retained the trophy on objective distinction, regardless of shedding the primary two video games in New Zealand.
The match was performed as Netball Australia (NA) took inventory of Hancock Prospecting’s determination on Saturday to withdraw a game-changing $15 million sponsorship deal.
It got here after Indigenous participant Donnell Wallam’s issues over the corporate’s report on Indigenous issues, courting again 40 years to offensive feedback by present proprietor Gina Rinehart’s late father Lang Hancock.
Wallam, set to debut this week towards England, had the backing of her workforce and had reportedly agreed to put on the corporate’s brand on her uniform after initially asking for an exemption.
However the deal was pulled anyway whereas mining agency Roy Hill, majority-owned by Hancock, will even withdraw its sponsorship of Netball WA and the West Coast Fever.
With Wallam and Ryan watching from the sideline, the Diamonds battled to match New Zealand’s stress within the first half however exploded with a series-clinching third quarter.
They scored 12 of the primary 14 objectives within the time period, with Wooden working ferociously across the edges and wing assault Watson spoiling New Zealand assaults with deflections and intercepts.
Wooden (21 from 27) was pressured to work additional time for her alternatives and initially that paid off for the guests.
However alongside Sophie Garbin (36 from 39) and an unrelenting midcourt, the Commonwealth Video games champions have been capable of create extra space.
Purpose keeper Courtney Bruce loved her battle with the taller Grace Nweke (39 from 43) whereas Ameliaranne Ekenasio (14 from 15) was properly held.
Australia start a three-game collection towards England on Wednesday in Newcastle.
AAP
