Diamonds surge for emotional series win

A stirring third quarter has earned the Diamonds a comeback win over New Zealand and ensured a dramatic week for Netball Australia ended with possession of the Constellation Cup.

Australia trailed by six early against New Zealand at a packed Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, and the Silver Ferns maintained strong all-court intensity to hold a five-goal lead at the main break.

But a 19-8 third quarter powered by goal attack Steph Wood and captain Liz Watson turned the tables as the hosts prevailed 57-53.

Australia’s big win in Melbourne on Wednesday helped ensure the Diamonds retained the trophy on goal difference, despite losing the first two games in New Zealand.

The match was played as Netball Australia (NA) took stock of Hancock Prospecting’s decision on Saturday to withdraw a game-changing $15 million sponsorship deal.

(L-R) Courtney Bruce, Jo Weston, Liz Watson, and Jamie-Lee Price of Australia pose for a photo with the Constellation Cup as they celebrate victory against New Zealand. Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

It came after Indigenous player Donnell Wallam’s concerns over the company’s record on Indigenous matters, dating back 40 years to offensive comments by current owner Gina Rinehart’s late father Lang Hancock.

“I probably showed a bit more emotion than I did at Comm Games (after winning gold),” coach Stacey Marinkovich said.

“I live and breath what this team goes through and our loudest voice is what we do on the court.

“We had a full house, a responsibility of going out and showing the Australian way of playing.

“To see them challenged early and bounce back, shows incredible mental toughness and resilience.”

Wallam, set to debut this week against England, had the backing of her team and had reportedly agreed to wear the company’s logo on her uniform after initially asking for an exemption.

But the deal was pulled in any event, while mining firm Roy Hill, majority-owned by Hancock, will also withdraw its sponsorship of Netball WA and the West Coast Fever.

Rinehart’s company took aim at NA’s “virtue signalling”. NA boss Kelly Ryan responded that a balance needed to be struck between allowing “strong social conversations” and the “commercial realities” of funding a high-performance program.

With Wallam and Ryan watching from the sideline, the Diamonds battled to match New Zealand’s pressure in the first half but exploded with a series-clinching third quarter.

They scored 12 of the first 14 goals in the term, with Wood working ferociously around the edges and wing attack Watson spoiling New Zealand attacks with deflections and intercepts.

Wood (21 from 27) was forced to work overtime for her opportunities and initially that paid off for the visitors.

But alongside Sophie Garbin (36 from 39) and an unrelenting midcourt, the Commonwealth Games champions were able to create more space.

Goal keeper Courtney Bruce enjoyed her battle with the taller Grace Nweke (39 from 43) while Ameliaranne Ekenasio (14 from 15) was well held.

“We know that there might be something happening behind the scenes but their ability to execute and deliver is always consistent and that’s why they’re so good,” Silver Ferns coach Noelene Taurua said of the Diamonds’ off-court drama.

“They’re strong as a unit … and sometimes you can push things to the side.”

Australia begin a three-game series against England on Wednesday in Newcastle.