FAST5 Ferns Unbeaten After First Day

FAST5 Ferns Unbeaten After First Day

8 November 2014

The FAST5 Ferns ended the first day of the FAST5 Netball World Series as the only unbeaten team after accounting for old rivals Australia 30-21 in Auckland on Saturday.

The defending champions again showed their ability to execute almost to perfection during the respective power plays. With the two teams tied 11-all at halftime, the FAST5 Ferns won their power play 11-2 to hit the three-quarter mark leading 23-13 as the intensity gathered momentum.

Big defensive pressure was exerted by both sides, the FAST5 Ferns happy to chip away from the one and two-point zones as they gradually built a buffer.

As they had done earlier against England, the FAST5 Ferns protected their lead during the FAST5 Flyers power play with precision, superb ball retention and being ably to tick over their own scoring momentum.

The home team came home strongly to shut the FAST5 Flyers out. The defensive skills of Katrina Grant, Temalisi Fakahokotau and Kayla Cullen ensuring key turnovers while the combined efforts of Laura Langman, Bailey Mes, the growing stature of Grace Rasmussen and the impact of Malia Paseka proving a dangerous mix.

The shots would not drop for the FAST5 Flyers and in their urgency to keep pressing, errors under pressure proved costly.

England did enough to hold off a spirited Malawi with a narrow 42-39 win. It was England’s first-ever win over Malawi, who proved the hard-luck story of the day.

With England leading by three after both teams had used their power plays, Malawi refused to buckle against an experienced England line-up.

Making full use of their inventive and athletic play, Malawi kept England honest to stay in touch throughout. England made better use of their possession, shooter Rosie Allison making an impression with her pin-point accuracy to deny Malawi.

Earlier in the day, the Malawi had pushed Jamaica all the way before dipping out by a single point in what so easily could have been two upset wins for the African nation.

Denying South Africa the opportunity to capitalise on their power play helped Jamaica secure their second win in the last round of the day with a comfortable 45-20 scoreline.

Leading 25-18 heading into their own power play, the Sunshine Girls consolidated on their strongest outing of the day with an impressive showing. Shooter Anna-Kaye Griffith led the charge with a succession of two-point successes while Jamaica’s all-round defensive game produced a number of turnovers.

South Africa plugged away but with the rangy Romelda Aiken roving around at goalkeeper during South Africa’s power play, the Protea’s were hard-pressed to find good shooting positions.

Last year’s Player of the Tournament, 20-year-old Tristina Harwood, rounded out Jamaica’s win in style as she ended the game on the back of successive six-pointers.

There will another two rounds of play tomorrow to decide final seedings for the play-offs in the evening.

Australia, Jamaica and England remain well in the frame after ending the day with two wins and a loss while South Africa and Malawi will be looking to post their first wins after coming up empty-handed when posting three losses apiece on the opening day.

For all match reports, please click here.

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