Silver Ferns claim Constellation Cup
09/03/2021
The 2021 Constellation Cup is in the hands of the Silver Ferns for the second time since its inception in 2010, proving too strong for the Australian outfit.
The Diamonds and the Silver Ferns faced off at Christchurch arena in New Zealand, the first of international netball since 2019 — it was a hard-fought battle and showcased the intense rivalry between Australian and New Zealand on the netball court.
After 14 days in managed isolation upon entry to New Zealand, the Diamonds took to the court on the evening of Tuesday March 2 and despite valiant efforts it was a night of the Silver Ferns, who took the win in the Constellation Cup opener by five goals.
A bright spark for me in the Diamonds line up throughout the series was Kiera Austin who made her international debut in game one, becoming Diamond number 180. Cara Koenen was also impressive in attack for the duration of the series, Australia’s future shooting circle has promise through these two new Diamonds.
Game one saw Austin played in goal attack and sink her first goal, therefore shooting Australia’s first goal of the tournament. She showed promise and precision, while nerves were also on display in her first game in the green and gold. With Captain Caitlin Basset in goal shooter, it made for a dynamic duo in the attacking circle.
There were another two debutants in the quarters that followed with Verity Charles and Cara Koenen becoming Diamonds number 181 and 182.
The Diamonds first game came after just two days out of quarantine and a fast starting Silver Ferns outfit made for a game of catch up for the Diamonds and they never quite reached it.
The Diamonds trailed by four at quarter time, seven at half time and they were down by double digits early in the third before they fought their way back to go down by only five.
Game two played out on the night of Wednesday March 3, with the Diamonds ready and raring to go this time — their only win of the series.
The Aussies were dominate, winning the scoreboard tally for the first half, they lead by 14 at half time. However the Silver Ferns upped their game in the third sinking 12 goals to the Diamonds 8 and in the last 8 to 7 but the Diamonds early lead held them in good stead for a nine goal win.
Cara Koenen and Kiera Austin made up a young and fresh shooting circle, showing confidence and laid the groundwork for a promising combination — holding their own in the attacking circle.
Liz Watson captained the Aussies from game two onwards and lead with precision and direction, with 33 feeds and 21 assists. While Sophie Garbin made her debut for the Diamonds.
The Diamonds were fluid and fast, an improvement on their first game which was slow and jolted.
Game three was played on Saturday March 6 at 1.30pm and it was the Diamonds who were on top for the duration of the game with the Silver Ferns trailing at every break.
The New Zealand outfit overcame a five goal halftime deficit to take the win in game three by six points. The Silver Ferns made a forceful second half response and powered away in the final quarter.
Defence was impressive from both sides which encouraged attacking units to put in the extra work to make their goal count. In the end it was the Silver Ferns who proved more effective taking a 2–1 lead after beating the Diamonds 55–49.
The final game saw an upped intensity; with crowds allowed in the stadium, an eager Silver Ferns team aiming for their second Constellation Cup title and the Aussies hoping to perform and win by three or more to take home the cup.
The Aussies didn’t retain the Constellation Cup for the first time in eight years after they went down to New Zealand 45–43 in the series sealer.
It was the third term that proved the pivotal point when New Zealand turned an eight-goal deficit into a two-goal lead through the lead of Captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio.
Austin again impressed in the final game sinking 28 goals, with strong leads and defensive plays.
The Australian team have now returned home and will look towards preparing for the Suncorp Super Netball season which is set to begin on May 1.
