It sets up a enthralling series decider in Adelaide next Wednesday night at the Distinctive Homes Dome.
While the Diamonds led at every change, England leveled in the last quarter but Australia’s Natalie von Bertouch and Mo’onia Gerrard forced vital turnovers in the pressure situation to secure victory.
Australian shooters Kate Beveridge and Susan Pratley opened strongly scoring at 83 percent to grab a three goal buffer at half time 23-20.
But England’s outstanding defensive combination of Geva Mentor and Sonia Mkoloma was stifling Australia’s attacking feed, forcing Diamonds coach Norma Plummer to replace Pratley with Natalie Medhurst at goal attack. It set the tone for the second half with 11 of Australia’s 12 players hitting the court and with England also going deep into its bench searching for winning combinations.
England coach Sue Hawkins brought Louisa Brownfield back into the game at goal shooter but she was closely marked by Laura Geitz in her impressive debut for Australia.
Up by just one goal heading into the last term, Plummer surprised by elevating towering rookie Caitlin Bassett into the fray at goal shooter forcing England to double team the circle.
With minutes remaining, England were within two goals of the Diamonds, but once again the Australians found a way to win.
After the match Diamonds defender Bianca Chatfield said they needed to address their high error rate if they are to hold out England in their next clash in Adelaide.
“We definitely made lots of errors, I think we could have won that match by 10 or 15 goals but we made too many mistakes. We need to be more precious with the ball and keep possession,” she said.
England coach Sue Hawkins said she believed Australia is beatable but was realistic about the improvement that her young charges still need to make.
“We had our opportunities. We need to learn from that and step up,” she said.
“It is one zip, we aren’t happy but we will be out there on Wednesday night to reverse that.”
