The Australian Diamonds have overcome a four-goal half time deficit to
defeat the New Zealand Silver Ferns 52-47 in the first Test at Arena
Manawatu in Palmerston North.
In the aftermath, Diamonds coach Norma Plummer conceded that the
physical game was not the prettiest she had seen.
"It wasn't a high quality skilled game from us. I thought we could have
done a lot better with the ball but I was pleased with their
tenaciousness out there and their commitment and their belief in one
another, that was excellent... but certainly, not a pretty game."
The game was notable for the debut of Chelsea Pitman, who came on in the
third quarter for Kim Green at wing attack and immediately had impact in
the Diamonds first hit out ahead of next month's World Netball
Championships in Singapore.
Plummer said that Pitman and Susan Fuhrmann, also brought on at
three-quarter time, made the difference in the second half for the
Diamonds.
"Pitman opened up our attack end for us and delivered the ball really
well. The calmness in her game and the way she played it; she didn't get
overawed by it and I think that was a feather in her cap.
"And then with Fuhrmann back, it just allowed Corletto to concentrate a
little bit more on her own game instead of worrying about the circle
area."
With the world championships beckoning, neither side took time easing
into the first fixture as the traditional rivals set a frantic pace in
the Commonwealth Games gold medal rematch.
Momentum swung like a pendulum in the first quarter as Australia and New
Zealand took turns at scoring consecutively with both claiming a
four-goal advantage during the opening stanza.
The Diamonds nullified New Zealand's one goal margin early in the second
quarter but the Ferns went on a spree and headed into the half time
break with a four goal lead.
As a result coach Norma Plummer rang the chances that turned the game
the Diamonds' way. Pitman, making her Test debut a day after her 23rd
birthday, and Susan Fuhrmann, replacing Laura Geitz at goal keeper,
breathed new life into the Diamonds after the break.
The Diamonds came out firing after half time with a strong third quarter
performance, outscoring the Silver Ferns 14-9 to overcome a six-goal
deficit and set up the narrowest of leads heading into the fourth
quarter.
The Australians held their nerves in the last quarter, winning by five
goals and sealing their 60th Test victory over New Zealand.
Julie Corletto was named Player of the Match and drew the praise from
her coach for a stellar performance after a long road to recovery
following a knee operation.
"She's been a fantastic player for me and I think she needed the reward
for her game tonight to know that she is not finished in netball,"
Plummer said.
Australia Shooting Stats
Catherine Cox 28/36 (78%)
Natalie Medhurst 24/30 (80%)
New Zealand Shooting Stats
Irene van Dyk 26/30 (87%)
Maria Tutaia 21/27 (77%)
