Netball: It's back to drawing-board

A rethink for the Silver Ferns as the chance of a rare series victory over Australia slips away. JULIE ASH reports.

Christchurch brings back fond memories for Australian goal attack Sharelle McMahon, but it again signifies a return to the drawing-board for the Silver Ferns.

It was in Christchurch that McMahon shot the winning goal in the 1999 world championships, and on Saturday night the Garden City again provided the setting for Australia's test and series victory over the Silver Ferns in the Fisher and Paykel series.

With a test win each going into the final match, it was New Zealand's best chance to seal their first series win in 12 years.

But from the first quarter the New Zealanders looked hesitant, and although they clawed back to within two goals on several occasions, they never looked like taking the match.

Bad passes, missed rebounds and slick Australian defence cost the New Zealanders dearly as the visitors led each quarter, 14-11, 29-24, 39-34, before taking the game 50-46.

While the match was frustrating for the Silver Ferns and their fans, it again showed how the Australians have an edge in pressure situations - something McMahon knows all about.

A national hero after netting the winning goal at the world championships, the 24-year-old was back to haunt the Ferns in Christchurch, nailing 32 goals from 35 attempts.

"Right throughout the series we were really closely matched," McMahon said. "I think we moved the ball a little better than we did in the second test and that was what we were aiming for.

"In the past, Australian teams have really been dominant and that is something as a group we are striving for."

Standing at 1.75cm (5ft 7in), McMahon is a lot shorter than New Zealand defenders Linda Vagana, Bernice Mene and Vilimaina Davu, but her mobility and accuracy as a shooter are enough to give any defender a headache.

"We play one-on-one and they play more of a zone. It is difficult for us coming into that and they do take up a lot of space in that goal circle when you are trying to move around," McMahon said. "They are all very similar. Their idea is to take up as much space as they can."

McMahon, who already has a Commonwealth Games gold medal to her name, said the series win would give Australia an added boost heading into next year's Games.

"We knew going into the series the team that won would take with them a lot of confidence and I am fairly certain there won't be any retirements. We will be out to win that gold medal."

But for the New Zealand team, the series loss will mean a rethink.

The main problem for the Ferns was getting the ball to shooters Irene van Dyk and Donna Loffhagen past Australian defenders Kathryn Harby-Williams and Liz Ellis.

"We knew Irene was their main gun," Australian coach Jill McIntosh said. "She puts up the bulk of the shots. We know one person can't defend her, so it has to be a joint effort, and Kath and Liz did an almighty job."

Belinda Colling was brought on as goal attack in the second half, replacing Loffhagen, but was often reluctant to shoot, which added more pressure on van Dyk.

In a desperate bid, Sheryl Clarke at wing defence and Davu at goal keep were introduced in the last quarter.

"All the changes were quality changes and they got some fresh legs on the court," Silver Ferns coach Yvonne Willering said. "Vili had height in the circle and Sheryl had trained hard and deserved an opportunity."

She said the absence of wing defence Lesley Nicol did not play a role in the loss.

"I don't think you can put it down to one position. Both Victoria Edward and Sheryl Clarke stood up to the occasion.

"Overall the team performed well, but just had too many lapses."

Australia 50 (E. Southby 18/24, S. McMahon 32/35) New Zealand 46 (I. van Dyk 37/42, D. Loffhagen 7/10, B. Colling 2/4).