After several crushing losses in major tournaments, the Diamonds got back on track with an emphatic victory to start the Quad Series.
The Australian Diamonds have sent a bold statement to the netball world with a demolition win over arch rivals New Zealand in their opening match of the Quad Series in the UK.
Despite a far from ideal Covid-affected preparation, the Diamonds were determined to deliver a strong performance after heartbreaking losses in the finals of 2018 Commonwealth Games and 2019 World Cup, as well as a defeat in last year’s Constellation Cup.
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And they did just that, exacting some revenge on New Zealand with a 53-39 win at London’s Copper Box Arena.
Ash Brazill was superb for the Diamonds, picking up player of the match honours in her first match in national colours since 2019.
After several setbacks including an ACL injury, Brazill set the tone from wing defence with three intercepts and a deflection.
“It’s so nice to be back in the green and gold,” Brazill told Fox Netball after the match.
“In 2019 when I got to put the dress back on, it was so good to be back. I was shattered that “I did my knee, but this group has been unreal. The culture that (coach) Stacey (Marinkovich) has brought, it’s just nice to be back.”
The Diamonds got off to a flyer in the first quarter, opening up a 17-10 lead, and they were never headed from there.
They led 47-29 at three-quarter time before closing out the comprehensive 15-point victory.
Gretel Bueta was excellent in her new role as goal shooter, missing only two goals from 60 minutes of game time. She shot 31/33 at 94 per cent accuracy.
Vice-captain Steph Wood shot 19 goals at 86 per cent accuracy.
The Diamonds will face South Africa in their next Quad Series match on Monday morning (AEDT).
The series is a crucial stepping stone for Stacey Marinkovich’s team as it is the only international matches the Diamonds will have before July’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
All games are available to stream for free via Kayo Freebies.
Quad Series schedule
16th January
England vs South Africa 1am AEDT
New Zealand vs Australia 3:15am AEDT
17th January
Australia vs South Africa 1am AEDT
England vs New Zealand 3:15am AEDT
19th January
South Africa vs New Zealand 4:30am AEDT
England vs Australia 6:30am AEDT
20th January
3rd vs 4th 4:30am AEDT
1st vs 2nd 6:30am AEDT
Originally published as Australian Diamonds make statement with dominant win over New Zealand in Quad Series