Netball: Aussie coach says umpires favoured Ferns

1.00pm - By GREG TOURELLE

PERTH - Australian coach Norma Plummer wasn't happy with the umpiring in this morning's netball test won by New Zealand here.

She claimed the Silver Ferns had benefited by having the umpires to their training yesterday.

It seemed New Zealand were the victim of some harsh calls in their loss to Australia in Sydney on Saturday and Plummer gave that view credence with her comments after the Kiwis' 50-42 win at Perth's Challenge Stadium before a vocal crowd, one-quarter of whom seemed to be New Zealand supporters.

"I think the umpiring changed tonight," Plummer said. "The Kiwis semed to get the umpires to their training session and that didn't help us, just quietly."

Asked by NZPA whether she would ask the umpires to the Australians' training session before the deciding final test in the series, in Melbourne on Saturday night, she said: "Certainly I will have a think about it, if it is going to change a game that much."

Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken laughed when told Plummer had thought the umpiring decisions had gone New Zealand's way in this match.

"People's perceptions are always clouded by results. They are neutral umpires (from South Africa and Barbados) and I think we just have to adjust to things and get on with it."

Plummer did offer a "full credit" to New Zealand for their performance.

"It was a bit of cat and mouse out there as to who was on who. Look out Melbourne, I think. Tactically it's becoming a real race."

The Australian team would make changes, but it would involve adjustments on court rather than personnel changes, Plummer said.

"There are a few things they have to address. I think we gave away too much ball in certain situations."

While the Australians missed their injured captain Liz Ellis, Plummer said it had to be appreciated that it was goalkeeper Bianca Chatfield's first test cap and goal defender Alison Broadbent's first match agaiunst the New Zealanders.

"Experience is big. Liz could have led that circle, but in the end she could break a leg tomorrow and I wouldn't have her. So I have to work with these players."

Plummer was pleased with the performance of goal attack Megan Anderson, who came as a replacement in this test after an indifferent display. Anderson netted 16 goals from 22 attempts, her 73 per cent performance being the best of the Australian shooters.

"She opens up play well and I thought she did well in this game," Plummer said.

- NZPA