Diamonds take grip on NZ series

Australia have taken a firm grip on the Constellation Cup with a 56-47 win over the Silver Ferns in Townsville.

Australia’s Caitlin Bassett contests the ball with NZ’s Jane Watson in Townsville

Australia have taken a firm grip on the Constellation Cup and spoilt New Zealand star Laura Langman’s landmark night with a 56-47 win over the Silver Ferns in Townsville last night.

It was Australia’s ninth straight win over New Zealand and gave the Diamonds a 2-0 lead in the four-match series.

Australian captain and shooter Caitlin Bassett nailed 34 straight goals and finished with 37 from 38 attempts.

Langman was making a ­record 146th appearance for the Silver Ferns, eclipsing the record previously held by legendary shooter Irene van Dyk.

Australia never trailed during the game but needed a burst of eight straight goals in the final quarter to defeat a plucky Silver Ferns side who mounted a number of fightbacks after the Diamonds scored the first six goals.

It took the visitors almost four minutes to hit the scoreboard. Australia couldn’t build on that early impetus and the Silver Ferns drew level near the end of the quarter, before trailing by one at the first break.

A 6-1 run pushed Australia ahead by six, but the Ferns again rallied to get within three before finishing the half five down.

Australia were up by seven in the third quarter but five unanswered goals got the Kiwis back to within one, though the Diamonds pushed it back to four at the final change.

Both coaches made changes to their starting seven from Sunday’s match, which Australia won by 15 goals.

Maria Folau, who was watched at the venue by her husband and Wallabies star ­Israel Folau, shot 32 from 38.

The series moves to New Zealand with the teams playing in Hamilton next Sunday and Wellington the following Thursday.

AAP