N.Z. wins second netball test to wrap up series

Press, 1 May 1989, Page 23

N.Z. wins second netball test to wrap up series

From DIANNA LESLIE, in Palmerston North

It was checkmate Australia, late in the second test in the Milo netball series, and nothing could have left a sweeter aftertaste for the national coach, Lyn Parker and the captain Wai Taumaunu.

Mrs Parker has survived her initiation with the New Zealand public admirably, her side gaining unbeatable series lead after subduing Australia, 51-47, in Palmerston North on Saturday evening. Elated players were delayed long after the final whistle, scrawling weary signatures on fans’ programmes, but there was no mistaking the broad grin Taumaunu was flashing after captaining her first team to a international series victory. “It felt amazing to win,” she said. ’ “They were really tough this time. They came out with all guns blazing and it took us the first half to settle down. It usually takes us about half a game to come to grips with the Australian style of play.”

Mrs Parker echoed her captain’s sentiments. "I was really proud. We started quite well but for a while we just could not make it with the defence and took time rolling on attack. But it was a question of discipline. “The shooters had to work hard. The taller Australian defence made that inevitable because we have a smaller stature,” she said. Australia gave a courageous account of itself but New Zealand redefined what separtes it on the international scene with more control when it counted. Mrs Parker commented that the players on the bench for the first tests may now look forward to

donning skirts and bibs for the third test in Dunedin on Wednesday. “I am considering other

players on the bench as they are pushing for places with their form. But I won’t be changing the team thinking that it will make it any weaker.” Australia had dramatically changed its starting order from the first test but Michelle Fielke, the Australian captain, prided herself on the versatility of the team. Nichole Cusack, the goal shoot for the first test, moved out to wing attack and Vicki Wilson had shifted from goal attack to goal shoot. Sue Kenny got her first run at goal attack. Fielke felt the win was in Australia’s clutches only to be cruelly snatched away once again. “We have been starting too slowly. Twice now we have been chasing from

behind and then we have pegged them back, which has been three times harder. We need to get the first five goals and work from there. But don’t worry, we have still got a few things up our sleeve to throw at the Kiwis,” she said. Julie Carter, who was brought on in the first test at half-time, started from the first whistle and turned in a tough and uncompromising game in the New Zealand goal circle. “It was much harder out there on Saturday. I was hanging out by the last quarter,” she said. Carter was in superb form, drawing out Sally Ironmonger, the big Australian goal keep, with

plenty of nerve. Wilma Shakespear, the Australian coach, was gracious in defeat and was

quick to congratulate New Zealand. "We got the lead and then surrendered it. We got out ahead and then had to try and come back from behind. But there is always pride in a national match and there will be plenty of it in Dunedin for the third test,” she said. Robin Dillimore, New Zealand’s goal keep, was again prominent in her second test, proving that New Zealand specators can expect a lot more from her in years to come. “Robin had a great game,” said Taumaunu. “She had a gift performance in the-first test, but on Saturday she had to work hard for it.” Julie Townsend, the New Zealand wing defence, also had a tremendous game and kept up a constant and consist-

ent hustle around Cusack to snatch whatever opportunities came her way. New Zealand started strongly but forfeited the lead late in the first quarter. Sally Ironmonger, the Australian goal keep, gave away several penalties for her over-exuberant work on defence, and Tracy Eyrl, the New Zealand goal shoot, could hardly put a foot wrong under the goal post. She was well complemented by Carter. The Australian shooting line-up of Vicki Wilson and Sue Kenny was impressive. The two twinkletoed players crackled like live wires round the goal circle and although struggling with form in the middle of the game, there

was plenty of incisive assaults on the New Zealand defence. The stadium was

packed to its 3800 seating capacity and several ttimes loud chanting broke out as it cheered the home side on. Sandra Mallett, the New Zealand centre, who has captured the New Zealand public’s imagination, was again worth her salt as she worked diligently on attack and defence. Her ability to wrest interceptions while still linking the play through centre court appears unequalled. Australia led 14-12 at the end of the first quarter after recovering from a slow start. Rita Fatialofa had another tough game against Lisa Wilson at wing attack. Wilson was single-minded in her approach and was constantly bouncing off Fatialofa’s side as she tried in vain to break her hold on the ball. However, Fatialofa was characteristically un-

ruffled. Australia had a slender 28-25 lead at half-time and both coaches elected to stick with their starting line-up. Carissa Dalwood, the young Australian centre, had another strong game through mid-court, picking her options intelligently as the elusive Wilson and Kenny skipped round for better positions. New Zealand finally recovered the lead at the end of the third quarter, 39-35, and although Australia had a surge of goals in the last five minutes New Zealand had slotted enough points to weather the attack. In the curtain-raiser, Wanganui beat Taranaki, 39-34. ,

• Australia will play a Canterbury invitation side at;. Cowles Stadium this

evening, starting at 7 p.m.