Silver Ferns continue dominance

New Zealand defeated Australia 52-40 at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Saturday night.

After losing to the Silver Ferns in the Commonwealth Games final in March the Australians were looking to gain revenge over the Silver Ferns who have dominated recent contests.

First half featured intense netball from both sides, as the strong defenders from both sides attempted to stop the drives inside the circle to Australian co-captain Sharelle McMahon and the Silver Fern’s Irene van Dyk.

Second half was where the Silver Ferns dominated early but there was a glimmer of hope for Australia when they reduced the margin to seven goals early in the last quarter.

Van Dyk was again outstanding shooting 32 goals from 34 at 94% accuracy. Some of her best performances for the Silver Ferns have been against the Australians where rivalry between both sides is always prevalent. Maria Tutaia (13/16 at 81%) and Belinda Colling (7/11 at 64) were the other two goalers used by coach Ruth Aitken.

Cath Cox (7/9 at 78%) was only on court for the first half, but it was Sharelle McMahon (20/26 at 77%), who shouldered much of the goal-scoring load and Susan Pratley (13/18 at 72%) continued to combine well with one of the world’s premier goalers.

Best on court for the Silver Ferns was captain Adine Wilson, who received a $500 cheque courtesy of the series sponsors, playing at wing attack.

For the Australians the von Bertouch sisters, Laura, who was making her debut, and Natalie were an effective combination in their first time together at international level after playing in the same midcourt for the Adelaide Thunderbirds.

Australian co-captain Liz Ellis was worried with her team’s performance going into the half time break but was happy that they staged a fight back during the second half.

“We probably let it blow out a bit too much in the second quarter but to our credit we came back well in the second half,” said Ellis.

Ellis was impressed with how well Laura von Bertouch combined with sister Natalie.

“I thought Laura had a nervous start but other than that she was great and you can really see that outstanding she has with Natalie in the centre of the court.”

The final and deciding match will be played on Tuesday night at Acer Arena with centre pass scheduled for 8:15pm.