By Sophie Taylor
The Origin Australian Diamonds’ return to Wollongong proved a huge success, as the side came out flying to defeat the South Africa Proteas by 27 goals (67-40) in front of 4,581 fans in Wollongong.
An electric opening quarter of action at WIN Entertainment Centre set up the impressive final result.
Head coach Stacey Marinkovich switched up the starting bibs for the second test, but the Diamonds shaped up against a similar starting side to their opening clash.
That proved crucial from the very beginning, allowing the Diamonds extend an important lead which pushed them onwards for the remainder of the match.
An early gain off the opening centre pass put the Diamonds on the front foot from the get-go, with pressure in defence coming from the long arms of Jo Weston, Sarah Klau and Courtney Bruce.
South Africa’s accuracy, particular from the likes of Elmere Van Der Berg, kept the defensive unit on their toes.
But it was Australia’s ability to apply pressure further up the court that allowed the Diamonds to extend a lead.
Cara Koenen overcame an inaccurate start to pile on the offensive pressure, while Liz Watson showcased fancy footwork to prove a massive threat in attack.
With confidence on their side, the Diamonds kept the finger on the pulse to take an 18-11 lead into the second quarter.
A topsy-turvy second term kept fans on the edge of their seats, with the Diamonds extending their lead again and again but South Africa always finding a way to stay in the contest.
The rangy arms of Proteas goal keeper Nicola Smith in continued to keep the Aussies on their toes, but it was to no avail as they continued to put the foot to the floor, extending to 10 goals at the main change.
If the first half seemed smooth, the second half was even smoother in comparison.
A completely fresh lineup took the court for the second half and settled immediately despite every effort from the Proteas.
Captain Watson’s impressive game continued, picking off deflections and rocketing the ball back up the court while her combination with vice-captain Kate Moloney, who came on in centre, was strong as ever.
Despite holding a 20-goal lead at the final change, the Diamonds did not relent.
Ball speed was the name of the game as they continued to play their own brand of netball: quick, strong, and precise.
Sophie Garbin, Georgie Horjus, Tilly Garrett and Alice Teague-Neeld entered the contest and had an immediate impact, while Klau came alive in her preferred goal keeper role.
An impressive final 15 minutes led the Diamonds to the final 27-goal margin, sealing the test series in the process with one match remaining at Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Sunday.
