In the eye of the beholder: 2nd Test: Diamonds vs Silver Ferns

(Netball)

Yesterday at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, to a rather full crowd the Australian Diamonds played the New Zealand Silver Ferns.

The Silver ferns won in Perth on Sunday, by one goal.

The broadcaster/announcer was as biased as the crowd and managed to mention Australia as being the World Championship winners and mention New Zealand came second. He also made the Constellation cup which is the test prize, sound like Consolation cup, every time he mentioned it. Speaking of biased crowd though, our seat were very close to the large pocket of Silver Ferns fans and it was just like being at the footy in a way.

Stan Walker in what appeared to be tights (yeech!) performed two songs live an I wish it had been delayed, maybe it was the venue but he did not sound good and really if he’d been quieter we could’ve ignored it.

The umpiring, well I like to be fair, it’s a hard job and not everyone can do it, some things look like they’re okay when they’re not and vice versa. However, most especially in the first half the umpiring was a bit dodgy— and it seemed to swing Silver Ferns way more often than not. But in the second half the dodginess was reduced and both sides copped it.

Speaking of dodgy the rings weren’t very secure and a decent jump (like the defender might make legitimately — or not so legitimately) would have them wobble as if deliberately knocked. Also in the last quarter with six minutes left as the Diamonds got momentum, New Zealand’s goal shooter called for an injury time — just as the Diamonds had the ball up their end and prepared to increase the lead. Now maybe it was innocent because the Latu did get her knees strapped, but I doubt it.

Natalie von Bertouch injured her ankle and didn’t play, so Catherine Cox filled in as the acting captain. The Diamonds won the toss and took the centre pass the Silver Ferns opted to shoot toward their interchange bench (not sure what end that is in terms of direction). Interestingly Irene van Dyk didn’t play for New Zealand.

The game was very tight in the first half, however after Geitz (GK-D) shut down Latu (GS-SF) the Diamonds were able to get ahead and the Diamonds levelled the series with a 7 goal win.

Cath Cox got the Holden MVP (Best on court).

The decider is on Sunday in Melbourne and should be good to watch 2:20pm local time (AEST) and will be on Ten and One at that time.

Also a delayed showing of this game will be on about lunch time on One.

Results: