The Australian Diamonds has their revenge as they overcame England 52-47 in the Netball Quad Series.
The win comes after a heartbreaking one goal loss for Australia in the gold medal match at the Commonwealth Games in April to England.
The win on Wednesday night also sees the largest winning margin for the Diamonds against England and this comes despite losing the opening and closing quarters. It was the middle of the match where the Diamonds shined and were able to win the game.
HUGE finish to the first quarter. England looking good early!
— 9Netball (@9Netball) September 19, 2018
WATCH LIVE: @Channel9
STREAM LIVE: https://t.co/Uf5HmFJrq1 #9netball #quadseries pic.twitter.com/ssgGz0xgcP
In a halftime interview on Nine Gem, Diamonds coach Lisa Alexander said her side needed to sort out a few things in defence which was reiterated by wing defender Gabi Simpson.
"We needed that one on one grind from the start of the game to the finish and it's probably something we haven't done yet," Simpson said.
"We're building on it but we have to be on every contest," she said.
Australia listened as they restricted the English attackers while extending their one goal lead to four. England was forced to play unexpected and quick moves in order to get their chance on goal and forced a change in defence for the Roses.
The introduction of Liz Watson to centre for Kim Ravaillion also paid dividends in the second quarter with the 24-year-old making nine goal assist out of the 15 scored.
While the change saw Ama Agbeze come in and make an instant impact, the Diamonds were still making defensive intercepts with Simpson making three by the end of the third quarter.
England needed a spark to get their game back on track but it came too late as the lead Australia had gained was too great to overcome.
Australia kick away at the end of the quarter, and hold a seven-goal lead with one period to play.
— 9Netball (@9Netball) September 19, 2018
WATCH LIVE: @Channel9
STREAM LIVE: https://t.co/Uf5HmFJrq1 #9netball #quadseries pic.twitter.com/449X3zf2iQ
For the Roses it was their shooting where they fell with Kadeen Corbin and Helen Housby managing an average shooting accuracy of 79.5 percent. This is compared to Australia who had 96.5 percent.
"Really happy that when they came back at us we were able to push out again, which we weren't able to do at Comm Games so incredibly proud of the growth we've had since then but we have a long way to go," Simpson said.
The Diamonds now face longtime rivals New Zealand on Sunday afternoon in Melbourne at 1pm and the match will be broadcast live on Nine Gem.
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