By Stephanie Smarrelli
The Aussies battled their way from behind during the gold medal match to defeat New Zealand 34 to 30.
Australia have won three Fast5 Netball World Series in a row and put out their most prolific performance yet, winning the tournament without losing a single game.
Here’s how it all unfolded.
The Aussies started the weekend strongly with a 44 to 37 win against Uganda before notching their second win against South Africa by 23 goals. Lucy Austin and Reilley Batcheldor were standouts giving the Aussies the upper hand during the Power Plays.
While in defence, the partnership of Teigan O’Shannassy and Kim Jenner applied immense pressure on the South Africans in attack.
To end the first day of competition the Aussies went head-to-head with their biggest challenge yet, rivals New Zealand.
The Aussies finished day 1 undeafeated.
The Australians were unstoppable from end to end against the Fast5 Ferns, winning 41 to 26. Austin and Matisse Letherbarrow’s confidence to turn and shoot catapulted the Aussies ahead with long-range shot after long-range shot making it hard for New Zealand to keep up.
On the second day of the competition, the Aussies overpowered Jamaica winning by 17 goals before taking on England. It was a competitive match but once again the Australians prevailed to go into the Grand Final undefeated.
The Aussies had a slow start in the Grand Final with New Zealand’s Martina Salmon controlling the scoring and the New Zealand defence getting their hands to plenty of ball.
Down a player with Kim Jenner ruled out earlier in the day due to concussion protocols, it took some time for the Aussies to settle into the game.
Behind at every break it looked like the Fast5 Ferns were going to run away with a steal, but the Aussies kept pressing.
In the midcourt Leesa Mi Mi, Tayla Williams and Amy Sligar moved the ball swiftly from end to end while in attack Lauren Frew, Letherbarrow, Austin and Batcheldor remained composed while taking the risks they needed.
In defence, O’Shannassy and captain Ruby Bakewell-Doran did everything they could to turn over ball with Sligar sliding in to help out as required as well.
The Aussies fought from behind for the win.Stealing the lead in the final minutes of the match, the Aussies kept their cool as New Zealand did everything they could to regain the lead.
But in the end, the Aussie comeback was too strong, with Batcheldor named as the Player of the Match and Australia crowned champions for a third year in a row.
Capping off a stellar series for the Aussies, the Australian Men’s Fast5 team will also be returning home with gold after a thrilling last second goal from Jordon Webb stole victory from the New Zealand Men’s side.
Photos: Michael Bradley Photography
