MVP Bassett Shoots Diamonds to Record Equalling Win

The Australian Diamonds posted their equal- highest ever score against New Zealand in Test one of the 2016 Constellation Cup, netting an impressive 68 goals.

A whole team effort enabled the record-breaking score line, with a full-court defence creating plenty of opportunities to convert in the circle.

Tall-timber Caitlin Bassett scored 47 goals at 100 per cent accuracy in an MVP performance.

Bassett’s dominant performance in the circle was complimented by a tight-knit midcourt unit including Madi Robinson and Kim Ravaillion, paired with second goaler and utility player Gretel Tippett.

The trio had a total 62 feeds between them for the game, with Robinson racking up a game-high total of 28 feeds.

“Lisa always says my job is to make the goalers look good,” Robinson said on her feeding into the circle.

“So if C-Bass (Bassett) gets 47 out of 47 and the MVP, I guess I’ve done my job so hopefully the coach is happy.”

Robinson said no matter who is feeding into the circle, every player knows their role.

“It’s just about making sure that each of us are doing our roles to create that space, to create those feeding opportunities,” Robinson said.

“It doesn’t matter who does it, let’s just get it in the ring.”

The Constellation Cup now moves to Launceston for the second Test of the four-match series, and Robinson said there is still room for improvement.

“We were pretty happy with the first three quarters but we slacked off in the fourth which we were a little disappointed about,” Robinson identified.

“We can always put more pressure on them to create more turnovers so expect four quarters of relentless defensive pressure to come.”

-NetballAus