The New Zealand Silver Ferns have taken back the Constellation Cup from the Diamonds’ clutches, defeating the Aussies in a close clash in Sydney on Sunday afternoon in front of an 11,096 strong crowd.
The third test was intense from start to finish, with the closest battle of the series so far going down to the final minutes.
But while the Diamonds held firm for the first 45, the Ferns took charge in the final quarter to secure a 49-52 victory.
With Kate Moloney out of action from the first centre pass, the Diamonds were forced to shuffle the bibs as Sophie Dwyer and Sophie Garbin took control in attack.
An outstanding first home performance from Jessie Grenvold set the tone early, winning back crucial ball alongside Courtney Bruce, who was celebrated for her 100th test cap prior to the match.
With the heavy defensive pressure from both teams keeping scores low, the 15-11 opening term set up a thrilling remainder of the match.
But the Ferns wrenched back control in a heated second quarter, firing to reverse the scoreline to be 26-all at half time.
Another 15-goal quarter from the Diamonds in the third kept fans on the edge of their seats, wrestling back control and forcing changes from the Ferns for the first time all series.
Liz Watson came in with a fire in the belly, back to her best in attack despite an early role change, while Amy Parmenter cherished her starting role and did not disappoint with her dogged attitude.
But it was a hot start from the Ferns in the first five minutes of the final quarter which determined the result, with a seven-goal to zero start to the term setting the tone.
While Moloney miraculously returned to the court with 10 minutes on the clock, the damage had already been done.
While the Ferns have now secured the 2026 Constellation Cup, the Diamonds will still have one more chance to draw blood on Wednesday night (Oct 28) in Melbourne for the final test of the series.
