Australia beat England 62-47 in netball
Australia picked up two significant milestones following their 62-47 netball Test victory over England in Newcastle on Sunday.
During the win, which was the Diamonds’ 100th Test win on home soil, stand-in captain Catherine Cox shot her 2000th international goal to help the world champions to an 18-8 lead at the first break.
After that point England, who will need to bounce back quickly to win the three-match series, never looked like hauling in the deficit as Australia applied the blow torch in defence and attack.
“I had no idea that (2000 goals) was coming … It is another nice milestone,” Cox said.
“I’d rather Nat (von Bertouch) be on the court, but it is nice to get the job (as captain).
“I have done it before once before but lost against the Silver Ferns in Perth in 2004.”
The Diamonds extended their lead to 33-19 at halftime and went in to the fourth quarter with a 48-35 advantage.
Diamonds coach Lisa Alexander was looking to the Test Series with arch rivals New Zealand immediately after this England Series.
“Nice to be one from one,” Alexander said of her debut Test win as national coach.
“I was delighted with the first quarter, they set the tone and got out of the blocks quickly.
“I definitely have an eye on the Silver Ferns (series), that’s part of the preparation we are going through with these three Tests.”
The England players wore black arms as a mark of respect for Mike Greenwood, coach of English Netball Super League club Northern Thunder, who passed away on Saturday.
“I’m excited to see the turn around from our first leg of this tour,” England coach Anna Mayes said of the 62-40 and 53-32 losses to New Zealand on Monday and Thursday.
“It is an emotional time with the passing of Mike Greenwood, some of players and staff members were very close to him and our best wishes go to his family.”
Australia and England meet again on Wednesday in Canberra and in Sydney on Sunday before the Diamonds play the Silver Ferns in a three Test series from October 23-30.
© AAP 2012Recommend this story.
The Turkey 10
The Turkey 10 teams have now been selected, as Wild Turkey Bourbon's sport sponsorship kicks into the next exciting phase.
Choose which side you're going to support and get in the running to win $2,500!
Simply visit Wild Turkey Australia on Facebook for your chance to win.
Find out more.
THE ROAR ON