Day one of the Netball Nations Cup provided an entertaining afternoon of netball with the world number 1 Australia taking on world number 2 New Zealand – A thrilling encounter which saw the Original Diamonds (Australia) put on a dominant display, stealing the win from the Silver Ferns (New Zealand). We also saw the home favourites England take on Uganda in another thrilling encounter.
Origin Diamonds vs Silver Ferns
The first game of the afternoon was the Origin Diamonds vs Silver Ferns. The Diamonds started strong in the first quarter with Watson and Weston being the driving force. But Kelly Jury for the silver ferns was determined to not let the game slip away form the ferns putting on an impressive performance at GK to keep the ferns only 5 behind. As the quarter ends 14-9 to the diamonds.
Quarter 2 did a full 180 as the ferns looked like they could run away with it as Nweke and Reuelu-Buchanan became the driving force but Country Bruce was determined not to let this slip away from the diamonds. With an impressive performance from both teams in the second quarter it finishes 29-22 to the diamonds . A very physical performance from both teams alongside the defensive pressure that both teams are pushing high up the court. Heading into quarter 3 the diamonds started to run away with it but Nweke put in an excellence shift to keep the silver ferns in the game. The difference between these teams is still 5 as they go into the final quarter 44-39 to the diamonds. The Diamonds started this quarter strong as they where determined to length the gap between these two teams. which they where successful doing so as the diamonds won the game 63-50.
Vitality Roses (England) vs She Cranes (Uganda)
The final game of the afternoon was the Vitality Roses vs the She Cranes. 3rd in the world vs 7th in the world. At the start of the first quarter the roses where pushing hard and being the dominant team with Uganda struggling to respond has Nat Metcalf has the vision for the roses and is delivering the balls into the circle. with the quarter finish 18-15 to the roses. It was a very physical second quarter as Cardwell got pushed into the goal post which caused Uganda to play with 6 players for 2 minutes after some contact in the circle. which resulted in the quarter finishing 34-30 to the roses.
The third quarter started with it being very physical as Uganda started to pull the gap between them and the roses together. although both teams couldn’t find their footing and settling into the quarter. Uganda are starting to push the roses out and talking control of the game. A last minute goal from the roses sees the quarter finishing 46-45. It was a big battle in the final quarter as both teams wanted to claim their first nation cup win but Uganda let it slip away as England were more dominant on the ball meaning the game finished 62-56 to the roses.
