The Australian Diamonds gave a taste of the skill and pace that helped them achieve world number one status with an inspiring performance against Loughborough Lightning in their only UK warm-up before this weekend’s World Netball Series.
The Diamonds, who arrived in the UK last week and will play in the round-robin World Series in Manchester in three days’ time before taking on England in a second international next week, faced Lightning in three back-to-back matches played under new rules introduced for this weekend’s tournament.
The new format has been designed to inject more excitement into the game with matches reduced to four six-minute periods and teams electing a Power Play quarter where their points scored are doubled. Shooters can now score from both inside and outside the goal circle with shots netted from outside worth double points and unlimited rolling substitutions have been introduced.
With over two months to go before Lightning start their 2009/10 Cooperative Superleague campaign, tonight’s match provided the players with an opportunity to shake off the summer’s cobwebs and reap the benefits of their pre-season training.
Lightning led 5-4 at the end of the first quarter, but their advantage was short-lived against the Australian giants who picked up the pace to dominate the 11 remaining periods of play, winning all three of the evening’s matches.
Head coach Olivia Murphy, who played Australia countless times during her England netball career, was encouraged by the performance of her young squad.
“Defensively Layla and Jade stood up well against their shooters and turned over a fair amount of ball, but it was difficult for us in attack,” she said. “We’ve still got plenty to work on but in patches we showed real skill. If we can do that against the very best in the world it stands us in good stead for the Superleague.
“The new format was certainly a challenge and it will be interesting to see how the Australians adapt their play at the weekend.”
The match was also an opportunity for Murphy to take an extra look at her would-be Lightning players before she makes her final squad selection at the end of the month.
“It was good to see the players,” she added. “It’s the first time I’ve seen some of them in a competitive environment and for others it was good to see where they’re at after the summer break. I’ve been quite impressed.”
Lightning start their 2009/10 Superleague campaign on 12 December with an away fixture at Leeds. Their first home match takes place on Monday 21 December in front of Sky cameras at the Sir David Wallace Sports Hall.
The Lightning team are encouraging supporters to try their own hand at netball this month at the Mother and Daughter Fun Day at Loughborough University on Saturday 17 October. Players aged 8-16 and family members, friends or guardians are invited for the day-long event that runs from 10am to 4pm and costs just £50 per couple. For more information log onto www.loughboroughlightning.co.uk or call 01509 226250.
