Silver Ferns beat Diamonds in Constellation Cup clash

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 10:02 · Archive

New Zealand defeated Australia 62-50 in the Constellation Cup netball series at Christchurch's Wolfbrook Arena on Wednesday. The Silver Ferns maintained their perfect start to the four-game series and extended the Diamonds' five-year losing streak across the Tasman. Australia had been determined to bounce back from an opening 56-50 loss in Auckland, but despite cutting an 11-goal deficit to three goals by the final break, they could not overcome their opponents.

Grace Nweke was dominant for New Zealand, scoring 49 goals from 52 attempts, while the defensive pairing of Kelly Jackson and Karin Burger proved too difficult for Australia's attackers. The match was highly physical, with several players hitting the deck. Australia gave away 84 penalties to New Zealand's 53.

Australia captain Liz Watson, playing as centre, was pinged for intentional obstruction in the first quarter and then warned for encroaching into New Zealand's circle in the third quarter, prompting coach Stacey Marinkovich to bench her. Kate Moloney, back from injury, played as centre and helped Australia claim the third quarter 16-12.

If New Zealand sweep the four-game series, Australia will surrender top spot on the world rankings for the first time since 2013.

How it is being reported

• Diamonds' hoodoo continues as Silver Ferns dominate CupThe Diamonds are at risk of surrendering top spot on netball's world rankings for the first time since 2013, having suffered another loss to the Silver Ferns.The West Australian · 21 Oct, 09:34
• Diamonds' hoodoo continues as Silver Ferns dominate CupThe Diamonds are at risk of surrendering top spot on netball's world rankings for the first time since 2013, having suffered another loss to the Silver Ferns.Perth Now · 21 Oct, 09:34

In this story: Australia · New Zealand · Silver Ferns · Diamonds · Grace Nweke · Liz Watson · Kate Moloney · Noeline Taurua

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