In the opening test of the Constellation Cup netball series, the Silver Ferns faced a challenging match against world champions Australia. Unfortunately, the Silver Ferns were unable to secure a victory, falling to Australia with a final score of 50-40 in Melbourne.
Even when the Silver Ferns reached the top of the attack circle, they struggled to feed their shooters, Ameliaranne Ekenasio and Amelia Walmsley, often hesitating to make their passes. The third quarter showed a more composed performance by the Silver Ferns, as they began to find their rhythm, narrowing the deficit to six goals, making the score 40-34 in Australia’s favor heading into the final quarter.
However, Australia reasserted control in the fourth quarter, further extending their lead to ten goals by the final whistle, securing a 50-40 victory.
Australia also has won the second game of the four-test series which was held in Brisbane on Sunday. The Silver Ferns went down 55-46 to Australia.
Silver Ferns shooter Grace Nweke played two quarters on her return to the court, having not played since the early stages of the World Cup in South Africa earlier this year, where she suffered a serious knee injury.
The series now moves to New Zealand with game three in Invercargill on Thursday night.
