Netball: Constellation Cup – Silver Ferns opens with win over Australian Diamonds

Silver ferns 49
Diamonds 44

The Silver Ferns justified their Constellation Cup favoritism with a comfortable opening win over Australia in Christchurch tonight.

The Ferns haven’t held the Constellation Cup since 2012, but they will be delighted with their chances in this year’s series, as the Diamonds are considered underdogs.

Australia had international netball stolen last year due to Covid-19, while the Ferns enjoyed a Cadbury Netball Series and games against the England Roses.

The Diamonds team, which had two weeks of managed isolation, featured several new faces, including new coach Stacey Marinkovich. So it wasn’t too surprising when the Ferns took over early on.

Speed ​​and precision in the middle of the court allowed the Ferns to set the pace, as Claire Kersten led from the edge of the circle, finding the hands of her shooters with ease.

Improved ball retention was critical as New Zealand took advantage of Australia’s mistakes.

The Diamonds were hammered on penalties and lost 27 turnovers to 18. The Ferns used that possession more effectively, scoring half of their won turnovers, compared to just 21 percent of the Diamonds

Ferns defender Jane Watson showed her passing game against the towering Caitlin Bassett, and while the Australian pitcher was accurate under the post, scoring 19 of her 21 attempts, her chances were limited.

Watson was superbly supported by Sulu Fitzpatrick as the defensive pair set up a tricky zone defense to help the hosts gain a seven-goal lead at halftime.

Gina Crampton had a strong night, leading her team in feedings and assists on goal, and was second only to Ameliaranne Ekenasio in receiving passes.

The third quarter started much the same before a brief twist in momentum saw coach Dame Noeline Taurua look down at her bench, with Karin Burger added to the defensive mix – it worked and the Ferns regained control to sit comfortably in the last 15. .

Sam Winders was energetic throughout the court when Ferns came into Taurua form, although the Diamonds finished strong to reduce the gap to five at full time.

Australia boasted better shooting accuracy, but New Zealand’s shot weight was revealing, with Maia Wilson converting 31 of 40 and Ekenasio 18 of 23.

Ferns captain Ekenasio was pleased with her team’s first hit out of the year.

“It feels really good. We really wanted the first game, it was difficult at times, but that’s what we expected,” Ekenasio said.

“We have a lot of things to work on, we let them in sometimes, but there is also a lot to celebrate.

“We are confident in our game plan and I’m happy with the way we got caught and held the ball when it mattered.”

The second of their four-game series, suspended last year due to Covid-19, will be played on Wednesday night.