Silver Ferns stun world number one Diamonds in series opener

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 18 Oct, 12:19 · Archive

New Zealand defeated Australia 56-50 in the opening match of the Constellation Cup netball series in Auckland.

New Zealand's Silver Ferns defeated the world number one Diamonds 56-50 in the opening match of the Constellation Cup series at Spark Arena in Auckland on Sunday. The Commonwealth Games gold medallists' win was their 11th consecutive victory against Australia on home soil.

Grace Nweke was New Zealand's standout performer, scoring 40 goals from 41 attempts. Her display spoiled a milestone 100th game for Diamonds goalkeeper Courtney Bruce. New Zealand captain Karin Burger paired with goalkeeper Kelly Jackson to contain Australia's attacking line of Kiera Austin, Sophie Garbin, Cara Koenen and Sophie Dwyer.

Australia were missing key players Jo Weston and Kate Moloney due to injury. Diamonds coach Stacey Marinkovich acknowledged the team were still dealing with the disappointment of their Commonwealth Games campaign, where they settled for bronze. 'I don't know if we were a bit tense coming in, but that's the thing coming into New Zealand and off the loss of the Commonwealth Games,' she said. 'We just need to process that and work our way through what that experience was.'

If New Zealand sweep the four-game series, they will dethrone Australia as world number one for the first time since 2013. The teams will contest three further matches to determine the Constellation Cup winner, with goal aggregate also playing a role in the final outcome.

How it is being reported

• Netball enters brave new world as New Zealand stun AustraliaSilver Ferns win 56-50 to open Constellation Cup series Grace Nweke 40 from 41 against world No 1 Diamonds New Zealand signalled their intent to set a new netball world order after stunning the Diamonds to kick off the Constellation Cup. The Commonwealth Games gold medallists picked up in Auckland where they left off in Glasgow with a 56-50 series-opening win at Spark Arena on Sunday. Experienced Diamonds duo Jo Weston (managed) and Kate Moloney (finger) were sorely missed by the world No 1 outfit, who were left in tears in Glasgow after settling for a bronze medal. Australia had suffered a…Guardian Sport · 18 Oct, 11:41
• Live: Diamonds clash with Silver Ferns in Constellation Cup openerThe Australian Diamonds are looking to test themselves against the Commonwealth Games gold medal-winning New Zealand Silver Ferns ahead of next year's World Cup in Sydney. Follow live.ABC News Australia · 18 Oct, 07:24

In this story: New Zealand Silver Ferns · Australia Diamonds · Grace Nweke · Karin Burger · Stacey Marinkovich · Courtney Bruce · Auckland

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