In a stunning reversal of fortunes, Australia’s Diamonds netball team has bounced back from a series of disappointing losses to clinch a decisive 63-50 victory over New Zealand’s Silver Ferns in the fourth and final match of the Constellation Cup. The world champions’ triumph at Melbourne’s John Cain Arena not only salvaged pride but also prevented their trans-Tasman rivals from achieving an historic clean sweep in the fiercely contested series.
Diamonds Shine on Home Court
Buoyed by a capacity crowd at their home venue, the Diamonds showcased a renewed sense of purpose and determination from the outset. The hosts were bolstered by the inclusion of Melbourne Vixens stars Kate Moloney at centre and Kiera Austin at goal attack, both of whom brought an infectious energy to the court.
The first quarter saw the teams locked in a tight tussle, with neither side able to gain the ascendancy. The Silver Ferns opted to start without their towering shooter Grace Nweke, and at the break, the scores were level at 15-15.
Diamonds Surge Ahead
The complexion of the match shifted dramatically in the second quarter as Nweke entered the fray, partnering with Maia Wilson in the New Zealand goal circle. However, it was the Diamonds who found another gear, producing their most impressive period of the series to storm to a commanding 32-26 lead at halftime.
Goalshooter Sophie Garbin was the star of the show, finishing the half with 11 goals at a flawless 100% accuracy. Austin also kept the Kiwi defense on their toes, contributing six goals from eight attempts. At the other end, goalkeeper Courtney Bruce silenced her critics by keeping Nweke quiet, while the athletic Sunday Aryang maintained constant pressure on the Silver Ferns attackers.
Unassailable Lead
The Diamonds refused to take their foot off the pedal in the third quarter, extending their advantage to an imposing 11 goals by the final change. Coach Stacey Marinkovich resisted the temptation to make changes, eager to maintain her team’s hard-earned rhythm and cohesion.
New Zealand, who had dominated the first three matches with double-digit winning margins, mounted a spirited fightback in the fourth quarter. The return of midcourt dynamo Maddy Gordon from the bench provided a spark, and the visitors managed to reduce the deficit to just six goals at one stage.
Triumphant Finish
However, the Diamonds were not to be denied, finding another gear to pull away once more and seal a memorable 63-50 triumph. Garbin finished with a perfect 36 goals from 36 attempts, becoming the first Australian player to shoot at 100% in a Constellation Cup match. Austin was also influential, ending with an impressive tally of 27 goals.
This win was exactly what we needed to remind ourselves and everyone else of what we’re capable of. We were determined to show our true colors today, and I couldn’t be prouder of the fight and spirit the girls displayed from start to finish.
— Diamonds coach Stacey Marinkovich
While the result was ultimately consolatory, with New Zealand having already secured the series with their three previous victories, it will undoubtedly provide a much-needed boost for the Diamonds as they look to reassert their dominance on the international stage.
The Constellation Cup may have slipped from their grasp this time around, but Australia’s netball stars have firmly underlined their credentials as world champions. With the next World Cup on home soil in 2025, the Diamonds will be determined to use this win as a springboard to reclaim their status as the undisputed queens of the court.
