Australia’s Diamonds beaten again by NZ in Constellation Cup finale

The Diamonds have suffered a second successive defeat to their old rivals in the final match of the Constellation Cup.

The Diamonds suffered a second straight Constellation Cup loss on Monday, but they’ve still taken the series win thanks to massive victories in Australia.

The Silver Ferns needed to win by 17 goals or more to claim the Cup for just the third time, but their 53-50 victory wasn’t enough in Auckland.

It was a brilliant fightback by the Ferns who trailed by as many as six goals before a stunning final quarter effort.

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With Kelly Jury on top in goal keeper, it was the Kiwis who gave the Auckland crowd something to cheer about.

Scores were tied with just two minutes to play before Jury came up with her side’s fifth turnover for the term.

The result means both nations claim two victories in their respective countries, but it’s Australia who win the series with a 13-goal differential.

Sophie Garbin of Australia (right) and Kelly Jury of New Zealand compete for the ball during game four of the 2023 Constellation Cup series in Auckland. (Photo by Fiona Goodall/Getty Images)

“Way to finish on a high… f**k let’s enjoy it,” Ferns skipper Ameliaranne Ekenasio told teammates.

“I think we have shown so much growth. We don’t come away with the Cup but I’m still super proud.”

Karin Burger was named player of the match despite drawing a warning from umpires during the contest.

Grace Nweke, in her first full match back from a serious knee injury, led her side with 37/39 goals, while for Australia Sophie Garbin landed 33/36.

“Obviously disappointed with our last two games, but proud to keep this Cup,” Diamonds skipper Liz Watson said.

For the Diamonds, they will now head straight back to Australia head of Wednesday’s first Test against South Africa.

Australia retained the trophy after the 2-2 series draw. (Photo by Fiona Goodall/Getty Images)

The Australians held the early advantage in the match, skipping out to an early five-goal lead.

The change came from the Ferns with Whitney Souness getting her first minutes at WA.

And the home side started to close thanks to a Maddy Gordon intercept in the midcourt.

By the first change it was Australia leading 15-12.

Two big replay calls against Australia allowed the Ferns to stay in touch midway through the second term.

By the main break, Australia still held a two-goal lead, with Sophie Garbin sitting at 24-of-25 shots for the half.

Bruce had an early win in the third, but from that point momentum swung with New Zealand.

A third replay call against Australia and a big defensive win by the Ferns’ saw scores levelled - but Souness coughed up the ball when her side looked to take the lead for the first time in the match.

Asked how the Diamonds dealt with the pressure of the more than 5000 strong crowd at Spark Arena, Liz Watson was brutally honest.

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By the final change, Australia held a 41-38 lead.

Bruce had another early win as the margin pushed out to five goals.

More controversial throw in calls upset the Aussie defence as the Ferns started to surge.

Weston tried to force a ball into Garbin and coughed up possession to allow the home side to close to two with the centre pass to come.

When Jury won a long ball meant for Koenen over the top, suddenly the Ferns were in the lead for the first time in the match with less than eight minutes to go.

Sarah Klau was brought on for her first minutes as the pressure ramped up and Austin returned to the court at goal attack as the Ferns enjoyed an 11-5 goal run.

Scores were levelled with just two minutes to play before Jury once again got involved and ensured her side held on for a three-goal win.

Garbin managed just 5/5 in the final term, a disappointing finish to what had been an outstanding display.

Originally published as Australia’s Diamonds beaten again by NZ in Constellation Cup finale