Diamonds Defeated by Silver Ferns in World Cup Classic
The Australian Diamonds have lost their Netball World Cup final to the Silver Ferns (51-52) in another classic instalment of the game’s most storied rivalry.
The one goal thriller was the second match between the two netball titans decided by a single goal in this tournament alone, with New Zealand reversing the trend from the second phase match-up claimed by the Australians.
In doing so, New Zealand lifted the trophy for the first time since 2003, ending a 12 year stranglehold that the Diamonds had held over the tournament, which had seen them crowned world champion on three consecutive occasions.
The two nations have incredibly squared off in the final of each instalment of the quadrennial world cup tournament dating back to Christchurch in 1999, with no world cup final decided by a margin greater than four goals in any of those six clashes between the Trans-Tasman foes.
It therefore came as no surprise that this final once again replicated the skill and intensity that has marked these matches as one of the greatest showpieces in international sport.
Western Australia was represented at both ends of the court, with skipper Caitlin Bassett playing in GS, and Courtney Bruce selected at GK.
The first break was reached at 10 goals apiece. What that doesn’t tell however, was that the Australians let a four goal lead slip at the midway point of the quarter, which brought with it a telling momentum shift for New Zealand.
The second quarter proved a pivotal spell, with the Silver Ferns cashing in on turnover ball to slip out to a three goal lead at the main break.
New Zealand controlled possession for 57% of the match, with Australia preferring its quick tempo style before employing an all-court defensive approach.
The Diamonds created one extra turnover for the match, but critically, the Kiwis amassed a greater number of attempts on goal, which was crucial, given their 85% shooting accuracy, was down on Australia’s 89%.
The Silver Ferns extracted a further one-goal advantage to lead by four at the final stoppage, but with the Aussies making changes in personnel, they roared back into contention late.
Despite the slim margin, the Kiwis managed to keep their noses in front, and recorded arguably its greatest world cup win to defy the odds after the side had sensationally missed out on a medal at last year’s Commonwealth Games.
Casey Kopua was named Player of the Match, whilst the ever reliable Laura Langman once again provided another masterclass with 20 goal assists and 38 feeds.
Caitlin Bassett led all scorers for the final with 35 goals, whilst Gretel Tippett contributed strongly off the bench with 11 goals from as many attempts.
The World Cup success was New Zealand’s fifth tournament win.