The Australian Fast5 Flyers have taken bronze against Trans-Tasman rivals, New Zealand at the Fast5 World Series held in Melbourne over the weekend.
Led by captain and VIS scholarship holder, Kate Moloney, Australia defeated New Zealand 34 -15 in a dominant display to win bronze.
Australia kicked off their Fast5 campaign with a commanding victory over Malawi, 34-21. VIS scholarship holder, Tegan Philip played a starring role in the victory as she made four two-point baskets from nine attempts.
However, the celebrations didn’t last long as Australia found themselves in trouble in their next match against a defensively strong Jamaican side. Jamaica kept their undefeated start to the tournament, taking down the Aussies 26-23.
Searching for another victory in order to push themselves back into medal contention, the Australians came out hungry for a win against rivals New Zealand on Saturday night. A buzzer beater from Tegan Philip at the end of the first quarter gave the Aussies some much needed confidence to take full advantage of their second quarter power play and secure another win, 40-30.
A loss early on Sunday in a must-win game against eventual gold medalists England, saw Australia desperate to secure a win against South Africa if they wanted to be in with a chance for bronze.
Confidently defeating South Africa 30-18, the Fast5 Flyers secured their place in a Trans-Tasman rivalry match for bronze against the Silver Ferns.
Throughout the final for bronze, Australia were able to make full use of their defensive prowess to limit the Ferns impact and take a commanding win, 34-15.
Following their bronze medal victory, captain Kate Moloney said that leading the team over the weekend was an amazing experience.
“It wasn’t quite the result we were after, but to be able to play in Melbourne in front of a home crowd is great and hopefully next year we can come back and get that gold.”
The series was won by England who defeated Jamaica 34-29 in a thrilling match that went down to the final seconds.
Image: Fast5 World Series
