Australia have claimed a comfortable 50-40 win over New Zealand to draw first blood in netball’s Constellation Cup.
The Diamonds are riding high after completing their trophy cabinet by winning the Netball World Cup and they continued that momentum with a dominant display in Melbourne on Thursday night.
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The Aussies led at every change, with defenders Courtney Bruce and Sarah Klau particularly impressive as they put the clamps on the Silver Ferns in the second half.
The only sour note for the Diamonds was an injury scare to vice-captain Paige Hadley when she was crushed by New Zealand midcourter Maddy Gordon in an awkward challenge in the first quarter.
Hadley played no further part in the game but the Diamonds said she was fine despite concerns of a knee injury.
The Constellation Cup will continue with Game 2 in Brisbane on Sunday before heading across the ditch for the last two games in New Zealand.
Australia won last year’s Constellation Cup on goal aggregate but are aiming to claim an outright win in the series for the first time since 2018.
8.40pm – Lights go out in blackout
Australia leads 40-34 with a quarter to go after the Silver Ferns fought back to win the third term by three goals to stay in with a chance.
There was a bizarre moment when the lights at John Cain Arena flickered and went out twice, forcing play to briefly be stopped before the lights came back on.
“Woah! Well the last thing you want to try and catch these bullet passes with the lights out,” Cath Cox said in commentary.
It reminded netball fans of the Super Netball game in Adelaide earlier this year that was declared a draw due to a blackout midway through the game.
8.10pm – Diamonds extend lead at halftime
The Diamonds lead 29-20 at halftime, opening up a significant lead as Australia’s defence tightened the screws on New Zealand with deflections.
It will take a big comeback from here for the Silver Ferns to win.
7.50pm – Diamonds lead after 1st quarter
The Aussie Diamonds have made a solid start and lead 12-10 after the first quarter.
A scary moment came late in the opening period when vice-captain Paige Hadley was clobbered in an unfortunate challenge.
New Zealand’s Maddy Gordon leapt high over Hadley to contest a ball at circle edge but Hadley stood still as her opponent landed on top of her, crushing the Aussie midcourter.
Hadley was immediately in visible pain clutching her knee before she left the court in the hands of medical staff.
“Not want you want to see,” Cath Cox said in commentary on Fox Netball.
“The newly appointed vice-captain Paige Hadley down and straight to her knee. And looks in a world of hurt at the moment.
“Hadley stopped to go up for the ball and just nowhere to go — crushed under the challenge from Gordon.”
Thankfully, Hadley is said to be feeling fine after the painful incident.
7.20pm – Huge blow for New Zealand
Star goal shooter Grace Nweke has officially been ruled out of the opening game of the Constellation Cup as she continues her recovery from a knee injury sustained during the Netball World Cup.
7.10pm – Team line ups
The Diamonds are riding high after completing their trophy cabinet by winning the Netball World Cup and there are two positions to fill after goal attack Steph Wood and wing attack Ash Brazill retiring.
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Kiera Austin (GA) and Kate Moloney (WD) have come into Australia’s starting team to replace them.
Australia starting seven: Cara Koenen, Kiera Austin, Liz Watson, Paige Hadley, Jamie-Lee Price, Jo Weston, Courtney Bruce
New Zealand starting seven: Amelia Walmsley, Ameliaranne Ekenasio, Mila Reuelu-Buchanan, Maddy Gordon, Kate Heffernan, Phoenix Karaka, Kelly July
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