By Sophie Taylor
A packed-out Bendigo Arena set the stage for a blockbuster first test match between the Origin Australian Diamonds and South Africa Proteas.
With 339 days between Australian test matches and the Proteas boasting confidence after some strong performances against New Zealand, it was no easy battle with bodies flying from the get-go.
Pressure was the name of the game from the starting whistle.
Two goals from Kiera Austin opened proceedings before South Africa could get a score on the board.
It was a battle of the goal keepers from the very start, with both Courtney Bruce and Nicola Smith causing havoc in the defensive circles.
With long arms over the shot and no passes uncontested, heavy attention was paid by both umpires as the match truly kicked into gear.
A 14-14 quarter-time score kept tongues wagging with Elmere van Der Berg sharp to post for the Proteas while both midcourts worked in overdrive.
The Diamonds lifted in intensity during the second quarter, extending an eventual match-winning lead in the opening minutes of the term.
Bruce’s combination with long-time teammate Jo Weston was crucial to extending the Diamonds’ lead, with the duo combining for five gains in defence.
Alice Teague-Neeld became Origin Diamond #194 late in the quarter as the Diamonds extended to an eight-goal lead.
A tight third quarter saw South Africa swing the momentum back their way thanks to a five-goal run, before the Aussies kicked into gear again to remain ahead at the final break.
The Diamonds brought a new layer of pressure into the final quarter, rotating through the remainder of the squad and keeping fresh legs against a South Africa side which would continue to fire.
A low-scoring final quarter kept the Proteas finger on the pulse but it was too little too late with the Diamonds’ confidence shining and plenty of tips on the ball.
Georgie Horjus scored her first goal in green and gold to raucous applause as the Diamonds ran away with a 64-52 final result.
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