Diamonds win Constellation Cup

The Australian Netball Diamonds, featuring five NSWIS athletes, have retained the Constellation Cup after securing an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five match series.

The Diamonds kicked off their title defence in domination fashion with a remarkable 59-42 win over New Zealand in the opening match. The Australians led by five at quarter time, stretched the lead to 15 by the half-time break before going on to post the 17 goal victory.

The second match finished 49-40 in favour to the Diamonds, with the team again leading at the first change. At one point the Diamonds stretched their lead to 10 before the Silver Ferns brought it back to six, with the eventual margin being a nine goal win for the Australians.

The third and Cup-clinching match saw the Diamonds put on a defensive masterclass to win 47-34. It was the first time in 26 tests that New Zealand failed to score at least 40 goals against the Diamonds, with the victory stretching the Australians win-streak over New Zealand to eight.

NSWIS athletes Caitlin Thwaites, Sharni Layton, Kimberlee Green, Rebecca Bulley and Kim Ravaillion have all been included in the Diamonds squad, with the fourth match of the cup taking place on October 19th.