New Zealand thump Diamonds in netball Cup opener

October 20

New Zealand have drawn first blood in the Constellation Cup in Wellington, crushing the Diamonds 64-50 to deliver Australia’s biggest loss to their trans-Tasman rivals since 2010.

The Silver Ferns streaked away in the second quarter, with the rattled Australians unable to peg back the commanding lead.

New Zealand’s shooting combination were almost untouchable, with Grace Nweke shooting 50 goals from 53 attempts, while skipper Ameliaranne Ekenasio added 14 from 15.

The world No.1 Diamonds arrived in New Zealand determined to amend a disappointing record across the Tasman, with coach Stacey Marinkovich only tasting victory once, back in 2021.

However, that record is now at seven straight in New Zealand after Sunday’s disappointing showing.

Australia only trailed 17-16 at the end of the first quarter, but things fell apart in the second stanza as the home side steamed ahead to set up the win, leading 34-25 by half-time.

Kiera Austin was player of the series in the recent triumph over England, but the Aussie goal attack couldn’t produce the same goods and was replaced at half-time after only shooting at 64 per cent.

Marinkovich continued to ring the changes as she searched for a way to stem the errors, but the Diamonds still struggled to find their rhythm.

They clawed their way back to a seven-goal deficit at three-quarter-time, but the Kiwis resisted the challenge in style to book their biggest win since a 19-goal margin in 2010, also in Wellington.

The next Test is in Auckland on Wednesday, followed by two games in Australia, with Perth and Melbourne playing hosts.

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