Fuhrmann Helps Diamonds to Test Win Over New Zealand

WAIS scholarship holder Susan Fuhrmann has helped the Australian Diamonds level their three Test Series with New Zealand at 1-1 after another strong performance in the 48-44 win in Melbourne.

Fuhrmann is in top form with the national team, after a player of the match performance in the series opener, the WAIS athlete backed up with another good performance on Silver Ferns goal shooter Irene Van Dyke.

Australia appeared fired up for the clash after dropping the first Test in Sydney last weekend. The Diamonds raced out to a 6-2 lead in the opening ten minutes and continued to hold their opponents at arms length for much of the first half.

In the third term Australia made their move, with a dominant mid court performance catching New Zealand off guard opening up a 15 goal advantage early into the last quarter.

Any thoughts of a landslide victory were quickly dashed however, with New Zealand showing the fight that had earned them victory in Sydney to rally back into the contest in the dying stages.

The experienced members of the Diamonds squad showed their wares when it mattered, to ease Australia to a four goal lead at the final siren.

WAIS Head netball coach Michelle Wilkins believes Fuhrmann’s performances for Australia will have a carry over effect on the next generation of WAIS netball athletes coming through.

“It is extremely important for the Netball Program to have WAIS athletes in the National Team,” Wilkins said. “Not only are they role models for our young aspiring netball athletes at grass root level,butimportantly it’s inspiring forathletes in the Elite pathway.”

“To know that it is possible to achieve your dreams and toplay for Australia encourages our potential athletesto continue to strive to be the best they can,” Wilkins said.

The third and final Test will be played in Brisbane on Sunday afternoon.