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Australians finish third in World Series

Roar Rookie
11th October, 2009
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Australia took revenge against England in the Netball World Series while another old foe, New Zealand, claimed the title.

Despite finishing the round robin section of the inaugural tournament in Manchester, England, in third and fourth place respectively, the Silver Ferns and Jamaica peaked at the right time to book their places in the grand final, which New Zealand won 32-27 on Sunday.

After losing to England for the first time in 26 years on Saturday, Australia turned the tables on the hosts when they won the play-off for third and fourth place 23-18.

Earlier in the day, New Zealand swept Australia aside 27-17 in their semi-final, while Jamaica easily accounted for England 33-22.

After a strong start, the Silver Ferns had Australia trailing all match.

Both teams took their Power Plays in the third quarter, but it was New Zealand who dominated in the crucial term, outscoring the Diamonds 14-4 to go into the last quarter with a 13-goal margin that was always going to be difficult for Australia to pull back in six minutes.

Similarly, Jamaica took control early against England and led every quarter.

When Australia met England in the play-off, the visitors hit the front in the first quarter and surrendered their lead only once in the game with the home side looking tired and struggling to match the Diamonds’ mobility.

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Both teams called their Power Plays in the third quarter, and England went ahead briefly after Sonia Mkoloma won a turn-over and Pamela Cookey landed the shot.

But the Australians recovered and held off their opponents, despite some double-pointers from Jo Harten.

Australia meets England in a one-off Test match on Tuesday.

The World Series format consists of six-minute quarters, with shooters allowed to score from inside and outside the goal circle and long-range goals worth double points.

During Power Play quarters, nominated by each team, all goals double in value.

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