It will be a showdown between Australia and England for the Northern Quad Series title after the Diamonds held on to a 50-53 win over New Zealand.
It is always a tough battle between the Trans-Tasman rivals and this one was no different with Australian coach Lisa Alexander saying the players and fans should be proud.
“They showed the true Aussie spirit out there, lots of guts and determination, they love representing their country, we hope everyone is proud back home because that’s what we aim to do,” she said.
The Diamonds got over the Silver Ferns, and have booked themselves a spot in the final against England.#9Netball pic.twitter.com/lbLYX07GGT
— 9Netball (@9Netball) January 19, 2019
The Diamonds burst out of the gates, scoring 14 goals to six in the opening quarter and punishing the Silver Ferns.
While Caitlin Thwaites and Stephanie Wood manage to form a formidable attack, it was the break which stifled Australia's momentum.
The Silver Ferns came out firing in the second quarter, clawing their way back into the contest thanks to some outstanding team defence and shooting from Maria Folau while 150 gamer and captain Laura Langman was formidable with her passing.
The Diamonds were able to weather the attack, going into halftime with an eight goal lead but New Zealand didn't let up in the third quarter and Australia had no answer to as they continued to cut down the lead.
However, when Gretel Tippett entered the game for Wood five minutes in to the third she had an immediate impact, scoring 12 goals for the match at an incredible 100% shooting percentage.
The Kiwis were still determined to find a win against the Diamonds and they were within reach with some fearless shooting from Folau and Ameliaranne Ekenasio, cutting Australia's lead to just two goals at the midway point of the final quarter.
But the Diamonds players stepped up and proved why they are the number one team in the world.
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