Congratulations to Australia have have won the England Netball Quad Series with a 58-46 victory over England at the Copper Box Arena.
The series took place from the 15th-19th January with England, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa all playing each other once before a third place play-off and final decided the final standings.
It was the first time that the competition had taken place since 2019, due to COVID bringing things to a standstill, and it certainly didn’t disappoint upon its return.
Australia and England booked their places in the final after they both beat New Zealand and South Africa in their opening matches, before then drawing 48-48 when they came head-to-head with each other on day 3.
When they then met again, just 24 hours later in the final, it was another nail-biting match, with the Roses leading by two at the first two intervals.
The penultimate quarter continued to be goal for goal with both the Diamonds and Roses leading at different points, but it was England that once again went in the break in front, this time by one goal.
It was the final quarter that proved to be the important one though, as the Diamonds came out fighting and produced a shooting masterclass to win the match and their sixth Quad Series.
Australia’s goal shooter, Gretel Bueta, was awarded Player of the Match and Player of the Series after shooting at 98% in the final.
When asked how the Diamonds managed to make their comeback, Bueta said: “Just by sticking to our game plan, we knew it was going to be a grind and there were a few intercepts from our defensive end and we had to capitalise and make it count as an attacking end.
“Everyone contributed as a team on and off the court, we have such a special bunch. I feel the group is building and that’s a really good feeling.
“I think we built on our connectedness and culture this series and hopefully we can keep it going into the commonwealth games.”
Meanwhile, South Africa found themselves in the third place play-off as they failed to secure a victory in the opening rounds of the tournament, they took on New Zealand in the match who’s only victory had come the day before when they beat the SPAR Proteas 54-43.
In their second meeting of the Series, it was much closer encounter with New Zealand only leading by one at the end of the 1st quarter and four by the end of the 2nd, before South Africa made a third quarter comeback to take the lead 39-38 leaving it all to play for in the final 15 minutes.
It was New Zealand who eventually took the win and third place, with a marginal 51-50 victory.
There were many personal achievements to celebrate too throughout the series with World Netball (WN) Ambassador, Geva Mentor CBE, making her 150th appearance for the Roses and Australia Diamonds Captain, Liz Watson, who is also part of the WN Voice of the Athlete working group, receiving her 50th test cap for her country.
Well done to Australia on winning the Series and England Netball for organising a fantastic event.
