Netball: Silver Ferns draw first blood to lead series

The Silver Ferns beat Australia 53-50 in the first game of the trans-Tasman series in Sydney. Photo / Getty Images

The Casey Williams-inspired Silver Ferns snared the early lead in the trans-Tasman netball series with a 53-50 win in the first test.

With the New Zealand goal-keep a dominant figure in her first test as captain against Australia, the Ferns led throughout the second half to hold off several late rallies from an injury-hit home side.

It wasn't without heart flutters for the Ferns, who led 26-23 at halftime then watched a five-goal lead with 3min remaining evaporate to just two with 1min left.

But replacement Australian shooter Susan Pratley stood on the line, forcing a turnover, then missed a key late shot before Irene van Dyk sealed victory at the other end.

Van Dyk finished with 37 out of 43, while goal attack Maria Tutaia was solid with 16 out of 20.

Williams' efforts saw senior Australian shooter Catherine Cox dragged by coach Norma Plummer after horror first half when she shot just 11 of 18.

Captain Sharelle McMahon, in her 98th test, shot 27 of 34 for Australia after moving to goal shoot while Pratley had 12 from 15.

The hosts went into the series opener with major injury concerns, with key defenders Mo'onia Gerrard (ankle), Laura Geitz (hand) and Bianca Chatfield (knee), all sidelined and vice-captain and centre Natalie von Bertouch ruled out yesterday with a sternum injury.

But the world's No 1-ranked side boasted the superior recent record, having won six of their last nine against the Ferns in the past two years.

Kimberlee Green slotted into centre and it took time for the Australian midcourt to hit their stride.

Williams was right in the early action as the Ferns raced to a 5-0 lead, with Cox missing her first three attempts and the New Zealand skipper pouncing on the rebounds.

The New Zealand feeders, particularly Temepara George, got a good early supply of ball to van Dyk who started well then had several shots blocked by 1.96m Australian goal keep Susan Fuhrmann, who was one of the home side's best.

With McMahon steadying the ship, Australia fought back to 10-10 at quarter time but with Williams in dynamic form, the Ferns edged ahead in the second quarter to take a three-goal halftime lead.

The Ferns lost goal defence Katrina Grant just before halftime with what appeared a recurrence of a groin injury, and she was replaced by Joline Henry after an unhappy stay on court.

Van Dyk had 19 from 23 at the main break and Tutaia a perfect seven from seven.

The Ferns began the second half strongly and stretched their lead to 29-24 but, as always, the hosts didn't throw in the towel to leave the visitors 39-37 up at three-quarter time.

The Ferns looked to be wobbling, but there was enough good ball to van Dyk from George and Liana Barrett-Chase, and some cool long-range shots from Tutaia, to maintain their lead.

New Zealand 53 (Irene van Dyk 37/43, Maria Tutaia 16/20) Australia 50 (Catherine Cox 11/18, Sharelle McMahon 27/34, Susan Pratley 12/15). Halftime: 26-23

- NZPA