Diamonds Steal Series Win
The Australia Netball Diamonds put on a gutsy, come-from-behind performance in London to defeat England 45-43 and take the best of three series 2-1.
Despite trailing by nine goals in the third quarter, the Diamonds – led by player of the match and WAIS scholarship holder Kate Beveridge – showed composure to run the game out two goal winners and claim the series.
It was disappointing result for England who controlled the majority of the match – the Diamonds scored the first goal of the game but then had to wait until the 55th minute to hit the lead again.
Australian coach Norma Plummer continued to try different combinations on court starting WAIS athlete Caitlin Bassett in goal shooter.England had the stronger start, quickly getting to a 6-1 lead. It set the tone for the first quarter as the Diamonds struggled to get the ball into the goal circle and make a real impact on the scoreboard. Bianca Chatfield was impressive in goal keeper with some important intercepts and strong defensive rebounds in the late stages of the quarter to reduce the deficit to four at the first break.
Plummer made changes to both shooting positions bringing on the combination of Kate Beveridge and Natalie Medhurst who had been so successful in Nottingham. Beveridge’s composure made an instant difference, but basic errors across the whole court started to cost the Diamonds as England took control and a six goal lead into the second half.
Following on from fellow WAIS star Madison Browne’s best on court in the second match, Beveridge was given the same distinction for the series decider, with coach Norma Plummer delighted with both.
“Beveridge came home strong and I am absolutely delighted for Kate being named player of the match. It is a big boost for the future having two of our young players given that award,” Plummer said.
England changed their defence combination in the second half bringing on Eboni Beckford-Chambers for Sonia Mkoloma and the pressure started to mount on the Diamonds as the margin quickly soared to nine. The Australians looked out of sorts, however the Diamonds didn’t panic and went on a roll scoring seven of the next eight goals.
But as quickly as the momentum was gained by Australia, it was back with England as they held onto a six goal lead at three quarter time.
The Diamonds jumped out of the blocks in the final quarter to score the first four goals and hold England scoreless for the first four minutes. Laura Geitz came on in goal keeper and shut down Jo Harten, while Renae Hallinan lifted a notch in wing defence creating great drive out of defence as the pressure mounted on the England attack.
With six minutes remaining the scores were levelled at 39-39 and from that position and working so hard to get back into the game, the Diamonds weren’t going to give it away, running out two goal winners.
The match in London is the last of the Diamonds tour of the United Kingdom.
– Netball Australia