New Zealand clinch Constellation Cup as Diamonds lose in Sydney
Australia surrendered a two-goal advantage in the final quarter, leaving the Melbourne finale unable to change the series result.
New Zealand have secured the Constellation Cup with one match remaining after beating Australia 52-49 at Sydney’s Afterpay Arena. The Diamonds led by two goals entering the final quarter but could not hold off the Silver Ferns.
The result marks Australia’s fourth series defeat since the trophy contest began in 2010. The teams will play the remaining match in Melbourne.
New Zealand scored five unanswered goals to start the last quarter, when Australia conceded 23 penalties compared with the visitors’ nine. Diamonds coach Stacey Marinkovich said missed shots and loose balls had proved costly at key moments.
Australia’s vice-captain Kate Moloney dislocated a finger on her left hand within the opening 30 seconds. She had missed the first match after a cut to another finger on that hand required 12 stitches. Marinkovich brought her back on with six minutes remaining in Sydney.
Despite the early injury, Australia reached quarter-time ahead 15-11. New Zealand drew level at 26-all by half-time, before an interception by Jessie Grenvold helped the Diamonds establish their narrow advantage heading into the last term.
Grace Nweke finished with 41 goals from 45 attempts for New Zealand, including three consecutive late goals that sealed the result. Sophie Garbin led Australia’s scoring with 37 goals from 43 attempts.
