Australia’s netball team, the Diamonds, are gearing up for a challenging rematch against New Zealand’s Silver Ferns in the second test of the Constellation Cup. This highly anticipated clash takes place on Wednesday night at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney after the Diamonds achieved a historic victory in the first match, securing a 69-52 win in Melbourne.
The Diamonds’ performance in the first game marked their highest-ever score against the Silver Ferns. The match remained competitive until the final quarter, where the Diamonds surged ahead, outscoring their rivals 24-11 to clinch the win. Jamie-Lee Price, a mid-court player for the Diamonds, expressed her surprise at the outcome but emphasized the need for the team to remain focused as they seek to reclaim the trophy from their trans-Tasman rivals.
Reflecting on the first match, Price stated, “That’s the highest score we’ve ever had against New Zealand and that surprises us. We know that’s never a given, so while it was an amazing result, we definitely won’t get carried away.”
High Expectations for the Rematch
Price acknowledged that the upcoming game will be a different challenge, as the Silver Ferns will be eager to bounce back from their defeat. “We know that they’re going to be very motivated and they’ll come out firing,” she said. The Diamonds are keenly aware of their recent struggles in New Zealand, with their last win on Kiwi soil occurring in 2021 during a series held in Christchurch due to COVID-19 restrictions.
After suffering a disappointing 3-1 series loss last year, the Diamonds are determined to make a strong statement as they prepare for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where they will aim to defend their title. Price emphasized the team’s ambition, noting, “We’re missing that trophy in our cabinet and we’re very keen to bring it back home.”
Focusing on the Present
While the Diamonds are motivated to end their New Zealand drought, Price indicated that they will not overlook the immediate challenge of the Sydney match. “We’ve probably focused on that a little bit the last couple of years, but I don’t think we’ve really spoken about it too much, which is probably a good thing. We’re trying not to put too much pressure on ourselves and just focus on here and now,” she explained.
As the team looks ahead to the challenges in Hamilton and Christchurch, the Diamonds are committed to demonstrating their skills and determination in the upcoming matches. With the stakes high and the rivalry fierce, the rematch against the Silver Ferns promises to be an exciting encounter for netball fans across the globe.
