The Australian Diamonds have recouped the Constellation Cup after beating the Silver Ferns 57-53 on the Gold Coast.
Ameliaranne Ekenasio of New Zealand (left) in action during the Constellation Cup
Photo: AAP / www.photosport.nz
The Silver Ferns led 30-25 at half time but had a horror third quarter, which they lost 19-8.
Australian shooters Sophie Garbin and Steph Wood started running rings around the New Zealand defenders, while the Ferns found it harder to get ball to their shooters.
Silver Ferns’ coach Dame Noeline Taurua made some changes in the defensive end, which saw Elle Temu come on at goal defence, Phoenix Karaka go to goal keep, and Kayla Johnson on at wing defence.
Kimiora Poi replaced Maddy Gordon at wing attack.
The Silver Ferns found themselves six goals down as they headed into the final turn.
The win levelled the series 2-all but the Diamonds won the cup by way of greater goal percentage.
The Silver Ferns rocketed out to a 7-goal lead early in the game but the Diamonds fought back.
The Ferns led by three after the first quarter.
After the Diamonds closed to within two, the Ferns pushed out again to led by five at half time, thanks to some sharp defensive work by Kate Heffernan.
But Australia came out firing in the second half, scoring the first five goals.
Ferns shooter Grace Nweke scored 39 from 43.
Australia has now won the Constellation Cup 10 times, to New Zealand’s two.
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