Australia remain winless after the opening day of the Fast5 Netball World Series after going down 23-31 to New Zealand to close out the first day of competition at Vector Arena in Auckland.
The gulf in experience between the young Fast5 Diamonds, with just four international test caps, and the near full strength Fast5 Ferns proved the difference in the end as New Zealand claimed their first Netball World Series victory over Australia since 2009.
The Fast5 Diamonds struck first through Amorette Wild after a minute before the substitution of Maria Tutaia had an immediate impact from the perimeter.
Known for her accuracy from around the edge of the circle, Tutaia quickly shifted momentum is favour of New Zealand with a Super Goal and two two-point goals to see to hosts up 11-6 at quarter-time.
Australia dominated the second quarter with defenders April Letton and Chanel Gomes remarkably holding New Zealand to just one goal. While at the other end of the court shooters Karyn Howarth and Wild scored four consecutive goals to see the Fast5 Diamonds trailing 12-10 half-time.
The Australians employed the Powerplay in the third quarter but without effect as a Super Goal from New Zealand’s Irene van Dyk on the stroke of three-quarter time nullified a brief Diamonds lead.
Contesting their third game of the day, following defeats to England and Malawi, the tired Australians fell away in the fourth quarter as the Fast5 Ferns made the most of their Powerplay.
Consistent shooting from van Dyk and Thompson under the post in the fourth quarter, along with the return of the infamous Harrison Hoist in defence, saw New Zealand extend their three-goal three-quarter time lead to eight goals at full-time.
Australia’s next outing is against the South Africa SPAR Proteas at 3.45pm (AEDT) on Satu rday followed by Jamaica at 6.00pm (AEDT).
2012-11-10
