Silver Ferns Casey Williams and Joline Henry battle for the ball with Catherine Cox and Sharelle McMahon last night in Adelaide. Photo / Michael Bradley
Silver Ferns Casey Williams and Joline Henry battle for the ball with Catherine Cox and Sharelle McMahon last night in Adelaide. Photo / Michael Bradley
ADELAIDE - The Silver Ferns managed a storming finish but again paid the price for an indifferent first quarter when they were beaten by Australia in Adelaide last night.
After a nailbiting 67-65 win in extra time in Melbourne on Saturday, New Zealand werelooking for a second win to tie up the series, but coach Ruth Aitken also had her eye on November's world championship and managed to give her whole bench court time.
A six-goal run midway through the first quarter was enough to give Australia some breathing room and an 18-12 lead after 15 minutes. Shooters Catherine Cox and Sharelle McMahon were finding more room, particularly along the base line, and New Zealand's midcourt was struggling to shut down the flow of ball.
Midcourt sisters Laura and Natalie von Bertouch were in particularly good form, driving the ball well through the centre and finding their shooters with ease.
That was reflected in the first quarter statistics, where New Zealand put up 13 shots on goal to Australia's 21.
Although both goal shooter Irene van Dyk and goal attack Jodi Te Huna shot with their usual accuracy, the Silver Ferns were always working hard to get any ball into them.
Aitken brought on Joline Henry for Leana de Bruin at goal defence in the second quarter to combat the short, sharp Australian passing game and things improved briefly for the Silver Ferns as they broke the pass and closed the gap.
But some composed play from Australia saw them break back immediately, and although Henry's speed in working the ball down court gave New Zealand more direction, the Silver Ferns trailed 30-22 at halftime, with Te Huna having more difficulty finding the hoop.
Aitken made further changes at the break, moving centre Laura Langman to wing defence for Sheryl Scanlan and bringing Julie Seymour on at centre. Te Huna was benched and Maria Tutaia took to the court.
A five-goal run right on the third-quarter whistle regained some lost ground for the Silver Ferns after the lead ballooned out to 15 at one stage, leaving them down 36-46 with 15 minutes remaining.
Aitken brought de Bruin back on at goal defence, and captain Adine Wilson left the court to give new cap Maree Bowden some time in the middle. Bowden responded well after a hesitant start, moving well and feeding her shooters with increasing confidence.
The fourth quarter was a real battle as the New Zealanders dug deep to claw back some ground, sinking six goals in a row to trail 50-44 at one stage.
But the Australians kept their cool this time, working the ball around well to secure the win.
