New Zealand claim Constellation Cup series against Australia

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 25 Oct, 09:20 · Archive

New Zealand won the Constellation Cup series by beating Australia 52-49 at Sydney on Sunday.

New Zealand defeated Australia 52-49 at Sydney's Afterpay Arena on Sunday to claim the Constellation Cup series with a game to spare. Australia had built a two-goal lead at three-quarter time but crumbled under pressure in the final quarter, giving away 23 penalties to New Zealand's nine.

Australia's vice-captain Kate Moloney was injured early in the match, dislocating a finger on her left hand less than 30 seconds into play during a contest with New Zealand's Kate Heffernan. Moloney had already missed the first game of the series after needing 12 stitches for a laceration on a different finger on the same hand. Australia built a 15-11 lead by quarter-time despite the injury, but New Zealand won the second quarter 15-11 to level the game at 26-all by half-time.

Australia coach Stacey Marinkovich acknowledged the missed opportunities in the final stages. 'A couple of missed shots, a couple of loose balls—it's just key moments,' she said. 'You only need one or two to go against you, and that opens a gap up.' This is Australia's fourth series loss since the two countries began competing for the Constellation Cup in 2010. New Zealand are seeking a 4-0 sweep with the final game scheduled for Melbourne on Wednesday, which would allow them to dethrone Australia for the world number one ranking.

How it is being reported

• Diamonds lament Constellation Cup capitulation to NZNew Zealand have stunned the Diamonds to claim the Constellation Cup series, leaving Australian coach Stacey Marinkovich ruing a missed opportunity.The West Australian · 25 Oct, 08:45
• Diamonds lament Constellation Cup capitulation to NZNew Zealand have stunned the Diamonds to claim the Constellation Cup series, leaving Australian coach Stacey Marinkovich ruing a missed opportunity.Perth Now · 25 Oct, 08:45

In this story: Australia · New Zealand · Stacey Marinkovich · Kate Moloney · Kate Heffernan · Diamonds · Silver Ferns

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