Stacey Marinkovich’s Origin Diamonds began the match with Gretel Bueta (GS), Stephanie Wood (GA), Liz Watson (WA), Paige Hadley (C), Ash Brazill (WD), Jo Weston (GD) and Courtney Bruce (GK).
Noeline Taurua’s Silver Ferns opened with Maia Wilson(GS), Tiana Metuarau (GA), Gina Crampton (WA), Samantha Winders (C), Kayla Johnson (WD), Karin Burger (GD) and Sulu Fitzpatrick (GK).
The first quarter began quickly at the Copper Box Arena with both teams trying to assert their dominance on the court as Stephanie Wood opened the scoring for the Diamonds.
The Diamonds began to pull away early, stretching the scoreline in their favour but the Silver Ferns responded well with some great turnovers off the centre pass by Gina Crampton and some excellent finishing by Tiana Metuarau.
New Zealand began to find their rhythm around the circle, linking up well and fighting to close the gap but were finding it tough to penetrate the Diamonds defence, as their trans-Tasman rivals continued to swarm the Silver Ferns and funnel them into uncomfortable positions.
After opening up a 17-10 lead at the end of the first quarter, the Diamonds continued their efforts at the start of the second quarter with some excellent shooting by Stephanie Wood. Not to be defeated, the Silver Ferns also opened strongly, asserting themselves and moving the ball fluidly through the middle of the court with some effective link-up play between Samantha Winders and Kayla Johnson.
After Tiana Metaurau took a knock under the post, Grace Nweke took the court at GS and immediately made a statement, scoring two goals in quick succession. This boost was quickly combatted by the Origin Diamonds, who responded immediately to keep the score ticking over in their favour.
The Silver Ferns upped the pressure before the halftime whistle with some great play in the middle of the court, moving the ball well and with some fantastic long-range shots from Maia Wilson against the defensive presence of Jo Weston and Courtney Bruce.
Fresh from the half time break, the Diamonds began strongly in the third quarter, scoring quickly and moving the ball around fluidly. With Nweke being heavily marked in the circle, Dame Noeline Taurua again looked to the bench as Maia Wilson returned to the goal shooter position.
The Silver Ferns began to find their rhythm, moving the ball around effectively with Wilson showing great composure in front of goal. However, Bueta continued to trouble the Silver Ferns defence with some great movement and aerial ability at the post with the third quarter ending 47-29 to the Diamonds.
Metarua opened the scoring in the final quarter after some great build-up play from Gina Crampton and continued her attempt to close the gap for the Ferns, working hard to get free in front of the post and finishing well.
On the final whistle, the score finished 53-39 to the Origin Diamonds and Ash Brazill being awarded player of the match.
