-
The Australian Diamonds line-up - Source: Photosport -
Related
Australia's netballers have won their Test series against
England 2-1 after a thrilling two-goal victory.
The Diamonds trailed by nine at one point in the third quarter and
fought back from a six-goal deficit at the final break to win 45-43
at London's O2 Arena on Wednesday.
Australia coach Norma Plummer said: "When the margin got out to
nine I started think we needed to step up a bit.
"I thought Pamela Cookey was fantastic for them in goal attack, she
really cut us up for the first three quarters."
Australian goal-shooter Kate Beveridge, who began the series with
just six Test caps, showed good composure to score 23 goals from 32
attempts for 72 per cent and was named player of the
match.
Team-mate Natalie Medhurst shot 14 from 20 for 70 per cent after
the pair were brought on to replace Caitlin Bassett and Susan
Pratley at quarter-time.
The Diamonds scored the first goal of the game and then took until
the 55th minute to hit the front again.
England raced to a 6-1 lead as the Diamonds struggled to take the
ball into the goal circle.
Australian goal-keeper Bianca Chatfield made some key intercepts
and defensive rebounds to reduce the gap to four at the first
break.
But basic errors cost the Australians and the hosts held a six-goal
advantage at half-time.
England changed their defence combination in the second half,
bringing on Eboni Beckford-Chambers for Sonia Mkoloma, and the
pressure mounted on the Diamonds as the margin soared to
nine.
But the tourists held their nerve and scored seven of the next
eight goals.
A sharp start to the final term by Australia put them firmly back
in the game as they scored the first four goals and held England
scoreless for the opening four minutes.
The inexperienced Laura Geitz came on at goal-keeper for Australia
and was highly effective.
With six minutes remaining, scores were level at 39-39 and the
world No.1 Australians managed to seal the win.
"Beveridge came home strong and I am absolutely delighted for Kate
being named player of the match," Plummer said.
"It is a big boost for the future having two of our young players
given that award."
Mid-courter Madison Browne received the honour as Australia beat
England in Nottingham earlier this week to level the series after
the Diamonds lost the first match in Liverpool.
