Australia has retained the Netball Quad Series title after a thrilling one-goal victory over England, in a match that went down to the wire.
When all signs pointed to extra time, the Diamonds remained composed to win 47-46.
It was a tight opening quarter, with England challenging Australia across all thirds of the court. The Diamonds led 13 – 9 into the first break, in their closest opening quarter margin for the Series.
England took the lead after five minutes of play in the second quarter; marking the first occasion the Australians had not held the upper hand in the Series. Three quick successive goals saw Australia take back the lead, holding England at arm’s length. Despite the Roses outscoring the Diamonds 12 – 11 in the second term, the Diamonds went into the main break leading 24 – 21 goals.
In the third quarter, a handful of missed attempts at goal by the Australians, paired with a consistent effort from the English saw the match tied at 32-all. With three minutes remaining in the third term Susan Pettitt was injected at goal shooter, in a new combination with Gretel Tippett. Although the change saw the Diamonds with renewed conviction, the Roses lead at the final break 36 – 34.
Looking for a change, for Vixens player Caitlyn Nevins was brought on at wing attack in the final quarter, with VIS/Melbourne Vixens athlete Jo Weston making her first appearance in the Quad Series at goal defence.
Momentum seesawed throughout the final quarter. The Diamonds led by up to five goals in the last term, however they were outscored in the final four minutes of the match by four goals.
The last passage of play saw England in possession of the ball with just one goal separating the two teams. The Australians were able to maintain composure under pressure. With ten seconds to go and the Roses with possession in their goal third, Sharni Layton took a well-timed intercept over Helen Housby, ensuring the game would not go into extra time.
The Diamonds will return to their home states on Tuesday and continue preparations for the inaugural Suncorp Super Netball season, commencing 18 February.
