It was disappointing result for England who controlled the majority of the match - the Diamonds scored the first goal of the game but then had to wait until the 55th minute to hit the lead again.

Australian coach Norma Plummer continued to try different combinations on court starting Caitlin Bassett in goal shooter.  England had the stronger start, quickly getting to a 6-1 lead. It set the tone for the first quarter as the Diamonds struggled to get the ball into the goal circle and make a real impact on the scoreboard. Bianca Chatfield was impressive in goal keeper with some important intercepts and strong defensive rebounds in the late stages of the quarter to reduce the deficit to four at the first break.

 

Plummer made changes to both shooting positions bringing on the combination of Kate Beveridge and Natalie Medhurst who had been so successful in Nottingham. Beveridge’s composure made an instant difference, but basic errors across the whole court started to cost the Diamonds as England took control and a six goal lead into the second half. 

 

England changed their defence combination in the second half bringing on Eboni Beckford-Chambers for Sonia Mkoloma and the pressure started to mount on the Diamonds as the margin quickly soared to nine. The Australians looked out of sorts, however the Diamonds didn’t panic and went on a roll scoring seven of the next eight goals.

 

But as quickly as the momentum was gained by Australia, it was back with England as they held onto a six goal lead at three quarter time.

 

The Diamonds jumped out of the blocks in the final quarter to score the first four goals and hold England scoreless for the first four minutes.  Laura Geitz came on in goal keeper and shut down Jo Harten, while Renae Hallinan lifted a notch in wing defence creating great drive out of defence as the pressure mounted on the England attack
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With six minutes remaining the scores were levelled at 39-39 and from that position and working so hard to get back into the game, the Diamonds weren’t going to give it away, running out two goal winners.

 

The match in London is the last of the Diamonds tour of the United Kingdom.

Norma Plummer Quotes
“We couldn’t train yesterday so we had to really build into the game.”
“I thought Geitz turned it around and did an excellent job and in that last quarter and restricted Harten to 3 goals from 6 attempts.”
“Beveridge came home strong and I am absolutely delighted for Kate being named player of the match. It is a big boost for the future having two of our young players given that award.”
“We built into that second quarter but then made some silly mistakes.”
“When the margin got out to nine I started think we needed to step up a bit.”
“I thought Pamela Cookey was fantastic for them in goal attack, she really cut us up for the first three quarters.”
“I want to give credit to our leadership group. They have had a big input in choosing the sides and supported the decision to give everyone a go. Natalie von Bertouch and Mo’onia Gerrard have had the confidence in selecting any combination and that is what this tour has been about.” 

Quarter by Quarter Scores
Q1 – 8-12
Q2 – 17 - 23
Q3 – 29-35
Q 4 – 45-43

Shooting Statistics
Diamonds
Caitlin Bassett - 4/5 (80%)
Susan Pratley -  4/6 (67%)
Kate Beveridge – 23/32 (72%)
Natalie Medhurst –  14/20 (80%)

England
Pamela Cookey – 18/22 (82%)
Jo Harten – 25/40 (62%)

 

Starting lineup
GS – Caitlin Bassett
GA – Susan Pratley
WA – Madison Browne
C – Natalie von Bertouch
WD – Mo`onia Gerrard
GD – Rebecca Bulley
GK – Bianca Chatfield

Second quarter
GS – Kate Beveridge
GA – Natalie Medhurst
WA – Madison Browne
C – Natalie von Bertouch
WD – Mo`onia Gerrard / Renae Hallinan
GD – Rebecca Bulley / Mo`onia Gerrard
GK – Bianca Chatfield

Third quarter
GS – Kate Beveridge
GA – Natalie Medhurst
WA – Madison Browne
C – Natalie von Bertouch
WD – Renae Hallinan
GD – Mo`onia Gerrard
GK – Bianca Chatfield

Fourth quarter
GS – Kate Beveridge
GA – Natalie Medhurst
WA – Madison Browne
C – Natalie von Bertouch
WD – Renae Hallinan
GD – Mo`onia Gerrard
GK – Laura Geitz