General Details
25 Nov 2011 15:10PM
Echo Arena Liverpool
N/A
Sky Sports 4 - 1.30pm
Match Report
England Netball
England Netball
The final match of the session saw reigning champions New Zealand face off against South Africa. With the likes of Cathrine Latu, Maria Tutaia and the evergreen Irene van Dyk on court, the crowd were expecting a lot of attacking action and the Silver Ferns did not disappoint. A cagey start between the two sides meant neither took control, the Kiwis just about edging a low scoring affair, the first quarter ending 5 – 3.
The second quarter was full of chances for the Proteas but they were failing to capitalise and turnovers were becoming more frequent for the Silver Ferns. Van Dyk and Tutaia were continuing their fine partnership and proved that form could be translated to this shorter format of the game. However, South Africa weren’t going to be shaken off easily and they continued to press the mid-court and were have some success of their own. A tight quarter ended 4 – 4, New Zealand edging ahead 9 – 7 overall.
Quarter three and this signalled Powerplay. Once again both teams choosing this at the time to go for double points. Latu was brought into the attack for her shooting prowess and joined Tutaia as the goals started to rain down. A four pointer from each shooter had the crowd on their feet as the Silver Ferns raced clear and showed that when the Powerplay is taken you can really punish sides. South Africa were desperately searching for a response but with Anna Scarlett putting in a tireless shift in defence, the death knoll was already sounding on this game. New Zealand taking a 27 – 11 advantage heading into the final 15 minutes.
A little bit of history started to repeat as the game moved into the closing stages with the pace dipping slightly and the action less frenzied. The crowd were still in good voice but they had grasped that the three fancied teams in the competition were going to end session one in joint top position. As the umpires signalled the end of the game, the Silver Ferns bench let out a passionate cheer and the team headed back to the changing room, now with England on their mind.