Australia ends drought against Silver Ferns

A stunning defensive performance and an injection of speed into the midcourt, has seen Australia win its first game against the Silver Ferns since November 2004.

In a thrilling match last night, the Australian team looked like a different outfit to the team which had suffered a twelve goal defeat to the Silver Ferns three days prior, as they completed a 22 goal turnaround to defeat the world champions, 48–38.

After comfortably winning the first Test in Brisbane, Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken opted to test the depth of her team, starting young shooter Maria Tutaia in place of the irrepressible Irene Van Dyk.

The Australian defence were quick to capitalise on this move, as they took advantage of a lack of understanding in the Silver Ferns attacking line, and created numerous opportunities. These were often wasted by the inexperienced Australian attacking line, who were taking time to find their rhythm against the stoic New Zealand defence.

The Silver Ferns suffered a setback early in the quarter, with dynamic centre Temepara George having to leave the court with injury. The Australian defence continued to work overtime to create opportunities against a tweaked New Zealand attacking line, with their hard work beginning to pay off, as shooters Sharelle McMahon and Susan Pratley started to find their range in goals. Australia went to the quarter time break leading 12–8.

The Silver Ferns introduced Van Dyk for the second quarter, alongside towering defender Leana De Bruin. The introduction of Van Dyk did little to deter the Australian defence, with the combination of Mo’onia Gerrard and Liz Ellis making life difficult for the New Zealand attack.

While New Zealand clawed the margin back to three, the Australians continued to play with confidence, with the speed of McMahon and Pratley often catching the Silver Ferns off guard. The Australian midcourt of Laura and Natalie Von Bertouch was growing with confidence as the match progressed, with their speed and feeding prowess allowing McMahon to perform at her explosive best. At half time Australia had increased the margin, to lead 27–19.

Australia introduced fresh legs for the third quarter, with Jessica Shynn entering the game at centre. New Zealand also re-introduced Temepara George at centre, in an attempt to haul in the margin.

The Australian defence continued to dictate the New Zealand attack, with outstanding midcourt pressure from Selina Gilsenan allowing Ellis and Gerrard to capitalise on some wayward passing from the New Zealand attackers. In a sign of the strength of the Australian defence, the usually prolific Van Dyk was restricted to just two goals from four attempts for the quarter.

The Silver Ferns re-introduced Tutaia at goal attack (GA) midway through the quarter, and she didn’t disappoint, shooting five goals from six attempts, however it was Australia who continued to dominate against an uncharacteristically flat New Zealand attacking line.

With a comfortable twelve goal margin at ¾ time, Australia introduced Kristen Heinrich at goal shooter (GS) for the final quarter, moving McMahon forward to goal attack (GA) and giving Pratley a well earned rest. Heinrich started comfortably, slotting her first two attempts at goal, however Silver Ferns goal keeper (GK) Anna Scarlett was making life difficult for the Australian shooters with her impressive reach over the shot.

Australian goal keeper (GK) Liz Ellis thrilled her home crowd with some magnificent intercepts, while Mo’onia Gerrard continued to frustrate the New Zealanders with her speed and persistence. New Zealand went on to win the quarter by one goal after capitalising on a string of missed attempts from the Australian shooters, however the damage had been done earlier in the game, as Australia ran out ten goal winners.

For the Australians, it was a chance to regain some pride, after copping heavy criticism from the media and former players in the days prior to the Test. A united team performance was what got them over the line, with outstanding teamwork being on display in both attack and defence, coupled with as a sense of self belief not evident in the first Test.

Australian shooter Susan Pratley received player of the match honours, after showing maturity beyond her years in her performance, and combining brilliantly with the Australian attacking line.

The trans Tasman battle will resume in October this year, with the Silver Ferns hosting Australia in a three Test series.

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