Silver Ferns outplayed in opening Constellation Cup clash

Delivering a brave challenge for three-quarters of the match, the Silver Ferns couldn’t prevent Australia from storming home and posting 69-52 win to strike the first blow in the opening Constellation Cup contest in Melbourne on Friday.

With a crop of young talent in their mix, the Silver Ferns, who have had a challenging few weeks off the court, played an admirable hand for much of the match but unravelled in the final quarter when the class of Australia took charge.

The Silver Ferns struggled to contain Australia’s ball speed and relentless approach which eventually took its toll, the visitors’ having their moments but lacking overall consistency and unable to create enough turnover opportunities.

With the Silver Ferns completing a rare 3-1 win in last year’s Constellation Cup, they have a challenging road ahead, the Diamonds firing the first shot on their revenge mission. 

Making her international debut less than a month ago, rising young shooter Martina Salmon won the race for the Silver Ferns goal attack bib in the series opener while lively midcourter Mila Reuelu-Buchanan got the start at wing attack in an otherwise predictable line-up.

The Diamonds oozed experience across the court with the established midcourt pairing of captain Liz Watson and Kate Moloney spearheading the dynamic spread of talent at both the shooting and defensive ends.

The Silver Ferns recovered well from a 0-3 start to keep the first quarter closely contested as both teams took a measured and deliberate approach. Once back on level terms with the Diamonds, the Silver Ferns maintained their promising start with great patience on attack and staunch defensive work.

The rookie Salmon was challenged by the imposing Courtney Bruce but held her own while along with Maddy Gordon and Reuelu-Buchanan found the key target of Grace Nweke under the hoop with more regularity.

Australia had their moments, the shooting combination of Sophie Garbin and Kiera Austin proving their experience together with a strong showing. Statistically even across the board, there was no separating the teams who went to the first break with the scores locked at 13-all.

Finding more flow on attack while blocking up the Silver Ferns midcourt progress, Australia broke the deadlock with a strong burst during the second stanza. With the momentum in their favour, the Diamonds sprung out to a five-goal lead, but the Silver Ferns hung on admirably.

Salmon held her ground at the shooting end, midcourters Gordon and Reuelu-Buchanan found more punch on attack and defenders Karin Burger and Kelly Jackson put the squeeze on the Diamonds shooters.

Showing plenty of grit, the Silver Ferns responded with strong resolve to narrow Australia’s lead to 30-28 at the main break.

A good start and finish to the third quarter from the Silver Ferns was not enough to stop Australia pushing out to a four-goal advantage at the least turn.

Growing in confidence, with Watson and Moloney finding their rhythm on attack, and supplying great ball to their shooters, Australia took a semblance of control through their ball speed and free-flowing play.

Trailing by six prompted the injection of Peta Toeava at wing attack, and another rookie, Catherine Hall at goal defence for the Silver Ferns, halfway through the quarter. Burger moved across to wing defence.

As they had done previously, the Silver Ferns clawed their way back, adding a sterner test on defence while finding more productivity on attack. That left the visitors’ still well in the hunt when trailing 45-41 at the last break.

Scoring the first five goals on the resumption, Australia effectively shut the door on the Silver Ferns with a lift in consistency and accuracy to take complete control. Pressured into turnovers with the error rate climbing, the Silver Ferns introduced Amelia Walmsley (goal attack) and Kimiora Poi (wing attack) to help steady the ship.

But well in the groove with their slick handling on attack and rock-solid shooting, the Diamonds finished with a flourish, leaving the Silver Ferns with limited opportunities in the pressure-cooker situation.

The second test will be played in Sydney, on Wednesday (9.30pm NZ time).