The final test of the 2025 Constellation Cup was always set to be a blockbuster, with the Christchurch clash coming down to an extra-time series decider.
The New Zealand Silver Ferns claimed the match but the Origin Australian Diamonds claimed the series, with the Ferns' 62-57 win coming off the back of a monster final term before the Diamonds consolidated to win the series decider, 11-12.
A high-pressure opening quarter set the tone for the remainder of the clash, with both teams relentless on the ball.
It was a nervous start to post for goalers Kiera Austin and Sophie Garbin but it didn’t take them long to work their way into the match, shooting from range with confidence.
Karin Burger and Kelly Jackson’s hunting prowess forced the Diamonds to be patient in attack and chip the ball around to find opportunities in the goal circle.
But while the Ferns defensive pressure continued to build, so did the Aussies’.
Sunday Aryang and Jamie-Lee Price both came up with turnovers through the midcourt as the intensity mounted to lead by five goals at the first change.
The second quarter saw much the same, with both teams’ relentless attitude causing upsets across the court.
There were no easy passes into either circle as Courtney Bruce plucked an important ball on the sideline while Maddy Gordon ran rampant through the centre court.
Both teams hustled across the court as the turnovers and loose balls mounted.
With a six-goal margin at half time, the Diamonds came in with the lead on the line and the Ferns capitalised immediately.
Early wins from Kate Heffernan paid off for the Kiwis who supplied the extra ball into Grace Nweke with speed and precision, reducing the margin to one goal before the Diamonds kicked back into gear.
Despite defensive blocks on her shot, Austin continued to shine in the goal circle with her ability to find space while Garbin held strong to put pressure back on the Ferns' defence.
But the Ferns came out with a vengeance in the final quarter, scoring 19 goals to 11 to claim the match.
The home crowd advantage paid off in spades with the Ferns’ defensive combo in Jackson and Catherine Hall created continued turnovers as the Diamonds struggled to find answers in attack.
With the match just about resolved and a series decider imminent, Head Coach Stacey Marinkovich shifted bibs across the court in preparation for an additional 14 minutes – minimum – back out on court.
The Diamonds reverted to their starting lineup for series decider extra time, with plenty still to play for despite the match result not going their way.
The extra fire in the belly paid off in spades as the Diamonds fired to lead at the first break of extra time (5-7) to eventually claim the series 11-12 in the dying seconds.
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