Match Report
England Netball
England Netball
The evening session got underway with Australia looking to build on a good performance from this afternoon, a solid victory over Jamaica. Their opponents on this occasion were Fiji, who put up a decent battle against the host in the opening session.
It was a slow start to the game with both sides struggling to break through one another’s defence. Eventually the goals started to come with Susan Pratley and Amorette Wild starting to find their range and pushing the Aussies into a commanding lead. By the end of the opening quarter the Diamonds were in control, 7 – 2. A highlight coming right at the end with Pratley showing her agility by making a shot with two-thirds of her body stumbling off the court.
The second quarter saw more Aussie pressure exerted on their opponents and Fiji just weren’t using the ball quick enough to force meaningful attacks. At half-time the Diamonds had eased into a 15 – 7 and were looking comfortable. As with every previous game, the Powerplay was taken by both sides for the third quarter.
Nobody was threatening the extravagance of a four pointer, the Australians more focused on securing 2 points each time they attacked. This ploy worked as their accuracy outweighed Fiji’s in the attacking circle and by the time the whistle signalled the end of the third quarter, the Diamonds were 29 – 13 ahead. A quiet final quarter followed with calls for footwork and contact becoming more regular. The only highlight coming on the final whistle as a pot-shot from just inside the attacking third from the Diamonds attack found the net for a phenomenal 2 pointer. Australia had done enough and could focus on a good days work; Fiji knew they were beaten but will have to reappear for the final game of the night hoping for better fortune.