Silver Ferns defeat Australian Diamonds in first Test
The New Zealand Silver Ferns have avenged last year’s loss at Hisense Arena with a two goal win over the Australian Diamonds in Melbourne today, 54 – 52.
The capacity crowd was treated to a typically close and physical game, the New Zealanders holding a lead at every turn and stretching the margin to six mid way through the final quarter. The introduction of shooter Caitlin Bassett in the final term helped the Diamonds pull that back to the eventual two goal deficit but the New Zealanders responded to every challenge with flawless shooting in the final quarter, Van Dyk 8/8 and Tutaia 5/5.
Maria Tutaia was named MVP.
Starting lineups: Diamonds Silver Ferns Cox van Dyk Medhurst Tutaia Green Lees Von Bertouch Langman Gerrard Harrison Corletto de Bruin Chatfield Grant
Q1. Diamonds (10 ) v Silver Ferns (12 ) Shooting stats: Catherine Cox 7/10, Natalie Medhurst 3/6 Irene van Dyk 9/9, Maria Tutaia 3/5
Q2 Diamonds (24 ) v Silver Ferns (26 ) Shooting stats Cox: 10/10, Medhurst 4/5 Van Dyke 5/5, Tutaia 9/10
Q3 Diamonds (36) v Silver Ferns (41 ) Shooting stats: Cox 10/13, Medhurst 1/1, Bell 1/1 Van Dyk 6/7, Tutaia 9/9
Q4 Diamonds (52 ) v Silver Ferns ( 54) Shooting stats: Bassett 15/17, Bell 1/3 Van Dyk 8/8, Tutaia 5/5
