Liverpool-Australia’s Netball World Cup defence remains on track following a thrilling 50-49 win over arch rival New Zealand ahead of the semi-finals in Liverpool today (18)
But the Silver Ferns cut the margin to four goals (40-36) by three-quarter time and the advantage was shaved to just one early in the final term, before scores were level with just over a minute to play.
The Diamonds responded via captain Caitlin Bassett, who slotted the decisive goal in the shadows of full-time, although New Zealand’s Maria Folau had a chance to level with a shot five seconds from the end but missed.
It is the Diamonds’ 12th win from their past 13 meetings with the Silver Ferns and they will play either England or South Africa in Saturday’s semi-finals.
A match-up against England will provide the Diamonds with an opportunity to avenge their defeat to the Roses in last year’s final at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
Lisa Alexander’s team were reminded by the Silver Ferns that a 12th World Cup title will be no easy matter.
They dominated for most of the first three quarters, with Alexander’s surprise selection of Steph Wood over Gretel Tippett paying off.
The elusive Wood created speed in the attacking circle while the Silver Ferns looked rattled at times by the aggressive Diamonds’ defensive pairing of Courtney Bruce and Jo Weston.
Silver Ferns coach Noeline Taurua made countless changes throughout the match and it seemed to pay off over the closing stages as her fresher players finished strongly.
In contrast, Alexander barely altered her line-up.
Paige Hadley’s introduction at wing defence in the third quarter was the exception, but she made way for starter Jamie-Lee Price in the final stanza
All the best diamond for the final❤