Diamonds surrender Constellation Cup with series loss to New Zealand

Australia has relinquished the Constellation Cup for the first time in almost a decade after losing the final Test 45-43 to New Zealand.

Liz Watson appears to have cemented her place as Diamonds captain

The Diamonds have lost the Constellation Cup for the first time in almost a decade but there’s a silver lining to their 3-1 series loss to New Zealand’s Silver Ferns, with Australia unearthing several rising stars over the past week.

Australia needed to win Sunday’s final Test by at least two goals to retain the Cup and while they held a lead at each of the first three quarters, could not withstand the surge of the current World Cup holders and despite a thrilling final period typical of trans-Tasman contests, lost 45-43.

But having debuted four players throughout the series and installed their likely long-term captain during coach Stacey Marinkovich’s first series in charge, the Diamonds have made big strides in the long game – peaking at the next Commonwealth Games and World Cup.

“Obviously we’re disappointed with the loss but I think the things we’re able to take away from this experience are so much bigger and will hold us in really good stead going forward,” Marinkovich said.

Australian shooters Cara Koenen and Kiera Austin again turned in strong performances in just their fourth Tests for Australia, while Verity Charles, who also made her debut during the series, again made an impact when injected and will push to be a part of Australia’s major campaigns in the next two years.

Midcourter Liz Watson, who led the team for the third time on Sunday to stamp herself as the likely long-term Diamonds leader in place of Caitlin Bassett, had never tasted a Constellation Cup loss in her international career.

“You play for your country and you never want to lose and it does hurt to lose,” Watson said.

“But we’ve got to see the bigger picture and perspective and where we’re going.

“It’s a new group, (there were) debutants and we are looking forward.

“They’re a polished side and they did very well tonight but so did we and we’ve got to see it like that, not as a big loss but more of a learning.

“But I definitely do not like to lose.”

COVID-19 forced the rescheduling of the Constellation Cup, initially slated for late last year and the teams are due to meet for the 2021 edition in Australia later this year.

The teams played in front of a full house at Christchurch Arena on Sunday, the first time a crowd had been present during the series with the first three matches played behind locked doors after New Zealand’s recent increased COVID-19 restrictions.

The quarantine period that has become the norm for international sports events in the COVID era made for a “unique” preparation Marinkovich said was far from perfect.

But she would not blame it for the second-half fades that marked the Diamonds’ final three games and saw only positives moving forward.

“I think we’re in a really good place,” Marinkovich said.

“We’ve got some players back home, we’ve got a squad here that’s worked extremely hard for their opportunities and then to have debutants out there … there’s lots to like and considering the time we’ve had together it’s pretty remarkable how the girls have taken things on.”

NCA Newswire