In a tough opening match of the 2017 Netball Quad Series, the Australian Diamonds defeated the English Roses 54-50 at Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Saturday.
The English Roses got out of the gate first, establishing a lead early on in the first quarter with three quick goals from the first whistle. However, The Australian Diamonds weren’t going to be bulldozed, fighting back to hold a 15-10 lead at the first break. The Diamonds extended their lead in the second quarter to 32-22 at the main change.
Melbourne Vixen attacker and VIS scholarship holder, Tegan Philip, took to the court in the third quarter for the Diamonds for the first time since October 2014. Swapping places with Gretel Tippett, Philip scored four goals from five attempts. Meanwhile, Melbourne Vixen teammate Jo Weston was placed into goal defence for the Diamonds for much of the second half.
At the end of the third quarter, Australia’s lead had narrowed to 43-37.The visitors made a final play at the victory late in the final term to bring the match down to just three goals in the dying minutes, however, the Diamonds remained strong and held on to take the victory 50-54.
Australian Diamond debutant Courtney Bruce was named MVP for the match.
The Diamonds now turn their focus to the South African SPAR Proteas, who they will face on Wednesday at AIS Arena, Canberra in the second match of the Australian Diamonds Quad Series campaign.
Image: Getty Images
