The Australians Fast5 Diamonds have finished sixth at the 2012 Fast5 Netball World Series after going down 30-33 to the Malawi Queens in the 5th/6th Playoff at Vector Arena in Auckland.
An even first quarter saw the Fast5 Diamonds narrowly ahead 6-4 at the quarter-time before Malawi struck back in the second quarter, making full use of the new multiple point scoring zones.
Trailing by three points early in the second quarter, Malawi gained the ascendency of an otherwise measured and controlled start through shooters Mwai Kumwenda and Sindi Simtowe, who converted five two-goal shots to lead 18-12 at half time.
The Australians were starved of possession during their third quarter Powerplay, as Malawi extended their lead to nine points at one stage of the quarter, before a Super Goal from makeshift goal attack Shae Bolton drew Australia to within one at three-quarter time.
The lead seesawed during Malawi’s Powerplay in the fourth quarter, with Bolton sinking another Super Goal to level the scores 29-29 with three minutes left, before the Queens pulled away late in the quarter to claim fifth at the 2012 Fast5 Netball World Series.
Starting 5:
Australia
Malawi
GS: Howarth
GS: M.Kumwenda
GA: Bolton
GA: Simtowe
C: Simmons
C: Kamzati
GD: Gomes
GD: Kachilika
GK: Letton
GK: Vinkhumbo
