Australian diamonds netball: The Australian Diamonds, reigning world champions, were stunned by a determined England Roses team in the second netball Test in Sydney. In a thrilling contest, the Roses snatched a 61-59 victory, leaving the series level and setting the stage for a decisive final match. The upset win marked only England’s third triumph over the Diamonds on Australian soil in 31 attempts, making it a historic night for the visitors.
Diamonds in Control Early, But England Fights Back
The Diamonds entered the game with confidence, having dominated the first Test in Adelaide with a 70-57 win. They carried that momentum into the second Test, leading 45-43 by the end of the third quarter. Kiera Austin, Sophie Garbin, and Cara Koenen were all firing for the Diamonds, with Garbin leading the scoring effort, converting 24 of her 25 attempts. Austin and Koenen contributed significantly, scoring 19 and 16 goals, respectively.
However, the fourth quarter saw a stunning turnaround as the Roses fought back fiercely. England outscored Australia 18-14 in the final term, with standout performances from Liv Tchine and Helen Housby, who scored 32 and 29 goals, respectively. Their 91 percent shooting accuracy made a significant difference in the game, especially in the final moments when the pressure was at its highest.
Fadoju Dominates the Court
The true hero of the night for England was defender Funmi Fadoju. Her relentless pressure and impeccable timing disrupted the Diamonds’ attacking flow throughout the match. Fadoju’s aerial ability was on full display as she tallied eight gains, two intercepts, and 12 deflections. She was a constant thorn in the side of Australia’s shooters, forcing them to alter their tactics and often sending the ball into the shooting circle under duress.
Fadoju’s efforts earned her the player of the match award, and her contribution was instrumental in swinging the momentum in England’s favor during the critical stages of the game.
The Turning Point
Despite leading for much of the game, the Diamonds struggled to maintain their composure in the closing stages. England’s increased physicality and defensive cohesion began to take its toll on Australia’s attack. Fadoju and her defensive teammates applied relentless pressure, forcing the Diamonds to make errors and lose possession at crucial moments.
With the Roses’ confidence building, they were able to find space in the shooting circle more easily, particularly in the final six minutes. England’s attacking duo of Tchine and Housby capitalized on every opportunity, ensuring that the Roses finished the game with a flourish.
Diamonds Reflect on Missed Opportunities
After the game, Kiera Austin acknowledged that Australia had struggled to adjust to England’s tactics. She pointed out that the Roses had significantly improved their physicality and defensive strategies compared to the first Test, and the Diamonds were slow to adapt.
“We didn’t adjust quickly enough or use strong enough movement to break that open,” Austin said. “There were a lot more ebbs and flows in that game than the previous one, so that’s a massive learning for us.”
Despite the loss, Austin expressed optimism about the Diamonds’ chances in the final Test in Bendigo, where they will have one last opportunity to claim the series.
England’s Self-Belief Shines Through
For the Roses, the victory was a testament to their growing belief and confidence as a team. England captain Fran Williams praised her team’s mindset and determination, particularly in key moments of the match.
Williams emphasized that the team had been focusing on building a winning mentality and that their efforts paid off against the world champions. “The freedom our attack showed was beyond their years,” she said, praising the composure of Tchine and Housby under pressure.
What’s Next?
With the series now level, all eyes turn to the third and final Test in Bendigo. The Diamonds will need to regroup and address the weaknesses exposed by England in Sydney. Tightening their defense and adapting to the Roses’ physical play will be crucial if they are to secure the series win.
For England, the victory in Sydney has given them a real chance of making history. A win in Bendigo would mark their first-ever series triumph on Australian soil, a feat that would solidify their position as one of the top netball nations in the world.
The final Test promises to be an intense and fiercely contested match, with both teams determined to walk away with the series win. For netball fans, it’s a game not to be missed.
