Silver Ferns beat Australia 62-50 in Christchurch to record 12th straight home win in Constellation Cup
New Zealand's Silver Ferns defeated Australia's Diamonds 62-50 at Christchurch's Wolfbrook Arena on Wednesday night in the Constellation Cup, with Grace Nweke scoring 49 goals from 52 attempts. The victory kept the Silver Ferns' perfect start to the four-game series and continued their run of success on home soil against Australia.
Australia arrived in Christchurch determined to respond after an opening 56-50 loss in Auckland and with Kate Moloney back from injury; the Diamonds were also aiming to end a five-year hoodoo across the Tasman. The Silver Ferns claimed what the report described as their 12th consecutive home win over the Diamonds. If Noeline Taurua's New Zealand side complete a sweep of the four-game series it will mean Australia surrender top spot on the world rankings for the first time since 2013.
The Diamonds began the match brightly but made uncharacteristic errors and trailed 17-14 at the first break. Australia built an 11-goal advantage at one stage, but the Diamonds reduced that margin to three by the final break.
Grace Nweke was once again unconquerable in the circle, finishing 49 from 52. New Zealand's defensive pair Kelly Jackson and Karin Burger were described as a towering duo who proved difficult for Australia’s attackers throughout the contest.
The game was physically intense, with several players hitting the deck during the contest. The visitors conceded 84 penalties compared with New Zealand's 53 as they sought to force turnovers.
Diamonds captain Liz Watson, playing at centre, was pinged for intentional obstruction after stepping into the circle while attempting to corral Maddy Gordon; the experienced midcourter then gave the ball away to Georgia Heffernan, and the Silver Ferns goal shooter converted easily to put the Kiwis ahead. Watson was later warned for encroaching into New Zealand’s circle in the third quarter and was subsequently benched by coach Stacey Marinkovich.
Amy Parmenter replaced Watson at wing defence and Moloney's return at centre was credited with an immediate impact; the Diamonds won the third quarter 16-12, reducing the deficit from seven to three. So influential was Moloney that New Zealand’s Adelaide Lightning star Kate Heffernan was benched as centre in favour of Maddy Gordon.
Donnell Wallam entered late in the final quarter to end a two-year hiatus from the national team and was tasked with assisting Moloney's attempted comeback. The goal shooter managed seven goals from nine attempts as New Zealand adjusted to contain the pressure from the visitors.
The Silver Ferns maintained their perfect start to the Constellation Cup and extended their run of home wins against Australia to 12 in succession; a series whitewash by New Zealand would result in Australia relinquishing the top spot in the world rankings for the first time since 2013.