Diamonds hungry for World Cup success after loss to England in netball Quad Series

Australia will take the world No. 1 ranking and a point to prove into their defence of the netball World Cup after the Diamonds clinched the Quad Series despite a shock loss to the host nation.

Australia’s Jo Weston getting plenty of attention from Chelsea Pitman.

Australia will take the world No. 1 ranking and a point to prove into their defence of the netball World Cup mid-year after the Diamonds clinched the final international series before the tournament in the UK despite a shock loss to the host nation.

Coach Lisa Alexander said the Diamonds will be hungrier at the World Cup for the 52-49 loss to England in the finale of the Quad Series in London on Monday - only their seventh defeat to the Roses in more than 50 years of internationals.

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Alexander said the Diamonds have areas to improve before their World Cup defence but the time and talent to do what is necessary to secure a record 12th world crown.

Australia’s Jo Weston getting plenty of attention from Chelsea Pitman.

“We had a long debrief after the game and this will make us a lot hungrier,’’ Alexander said.

“It’s bitter sweet, they won the trophy but let the opportunity slip.

“But they feel confident they can come back.’’

England, who defeated the Diamonds by one to win the Commonwealth Games gold last year, needed to beat Australia by more than five goals to secure the Quad Series crown but fell just short in a game they dominated for three of the four quarters.

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Alexander said results in the Quad Series - which included South Africa shocking England and New Zealand beating the Proteas in overtime - has set up a “mouth-watering’’ World Cup in Liverpool in July.

The Diamonds pose after winning the Quad Series.

Joa Weston on guard duty during the match against England.

On Monday, the Diamonds won the first quarter but were outscored in the following three with replacement shooter Rachael Dunn triggering the turnaround for the hosts.

Dunn, who failed to make last year’s winning Commonwealth Games team, netted 25 of her 26 shots and added stability to the English line.

Australia, with captain Caitlin Bassett and midcourter Gabi Simpson both out injured, started the London match well with a 14-9 lead after just 15 minutes but trailed 24-27 at halftime.

By three quarter-time the Diamonds were down 41-37 but fought back to level in the final period.

Urged on by their home crowd, the Tracey neville coached England again edged ahead for the 52-49 victory while the Australians secured their third straight Quad Series crown.

QUAD SERIES RESULTS

Diamonds (62) def South Africa (45)

Diamonds (53) def New Zealand (50)

England Roses (52) def Diamonds (49)

Originally published as Diamonds hungry for World Cup success after loss to England in netball Quad Series