-
Silver Ferns shooter Maria Tutaia - Source: Photosport -
Related
The Casey Williams-inspired Silver Ferns snared the early lead
in the trans-Tasman netball series with a 53-50 win in the first
test in Sydney on Sunday.
With the New Zealand goal keep a dominant figure in her first test
as captain against Australia, the Ferns led throughout the second
half to hold off several late rallies from an injury-hit home
side.
It wasn't without heart flutters for the Ferns, who led 26-23 at
halftime then watched a five-goal lead with 3min remaining
evaporate to just two with 1min left.
But replacement Australian shooter Susan Pratley stood on the line,
forcing a turnover, then missed a key late shot before Irene van
Dyk sealed victory at the other end.
Van Dyk finished with 37 out of 43, while goal attack Maria Tutaia
was solid with 16 out of 20.
Williams' efforts saw senior Australian shooter Catherine Cox
dragged by coach Norma Plummer after horror first half when she
shot just 11 of 18.
Captain Sharelle McMahon, in her 98th test, shot 27 of 34 for
Australia after moving to goal shoot while Pratley had 12 from
15.
The hosts went into the series opener with major injury concerns,
with key defenders Mo'onia Gerrard (ankle), Laura Geitz (hand) and
Bianca Chatfield (knee), all sidelined and vice-captain and
centre
Natalie von Bertouch ruled out on Saturday with a sternum
injury.
But the world's No 1-ranked side boasted the superior recent
record, having won six of their last nine against the Ferns in the
past two years.
Kimberlee Green slotted into centre and it took time for the
Australian midcourt to hit their stride.
Williams was right in the early action as the Ferns raced to a 5-0
lead, with Cox missing her first three attempts and the New Zealand
skipper pouncing on the rebounds.
The New Zealand feeders, particularly Temepara George, got a good
early supply of ball to van Dyk who started well then had several
shots blocked by 1.96m Australian goal keep Susan Fuhrmann, who was
one of the home side's best.
With McMahon steadying the ship, Australia fought back to 10-10 at
quarter time but with Williams in dynamic form, the Ferns edged
ahead in the second quarter to take a three-goal halftime
lead.
The Ferns lost goal defence Katrina Grant just before halftime with
what appeared a recurrence of a groin injury, and she was replaced
by Joline Henry after an unhappy stay on court.
Van Dyk had 19 from 23 at the main break and Tutaia a perfect seven
from seven.
The Ferns began the second half strongly and stretched their lead
to 29-24 but, as always, the hosts didn't throw in the towel to
leave the visitors 39-37 up at three-quarter time.
The Ferns looked to be wobbling, but there was enough good ball to
van Dyk from George and Liana Barrett-Chase, and some cool
long-range shots from Tutaia, to maintain their lead.
