Netball: Aussies dish up hiding to Ferns

NEWCASTLE - Australia stamped their netball authority over New Zealand, emphatically adding the Fisher and Paykel Cup to their world championship title by downing the Silver Ferns 53-30 in a one-sided test in Newcastle last night.

A rash of retirements after winning last year's world title meant little to this new-look Australian team as their depth was underlined in a dominant display.

The shellshocked New Zealanders left the court knowing that a mountainous improvement would be needed to match the class of the young Australians in the next few years. The 23-point losing margin was the Ferns' biggest in recent history and a massive drop-off since their one-point loss in last year's final.

Australia had complete control of the second quarter to set up victory, the New Zealand midcourt resorting to reckless passing to try to penetrate the Australian defensive circle where Liz Ellis, Kathryn Harby and wing defence Peta Squire were dominant.

With their team up 26-15 at halftime, the 4600-strong crowd at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre could enjoy the second half as their young team produced a full array of skills.

New Zealand coach Yvonne Willering surprisingly opted not to play former South African shooter Irene Van Dyk in the first half. But she had no choice but to inject her at halftime in place of Adine Harper, with Donna Loffhagen moving to goal attack.

It had an immediate effect, Van Dyk netting her first two shots and becoming a better target but the New Zealanders continued to panic in the face of intense pressure from the home side.

Wing attack Temepara George also came on for her debut at halftime in place of Anna Rowberry, while Belinda Charteris replaced Linda Vagana in the defensive circle.

They couldn't stop the Australian wave, with goal attack Sharelle McMahon, a dynamo in attack, helping them to a 37-22 threequarter-time lead. They pulled further away in the final 15 minutes.

Australia made the same number of errors as the Ferns in the first quarter to lead just 9-7. Their goal shoot, Eloise Southby, struggled to settle and was replaced by the impressive Catherine Cox.

Australia's 10-year unbeaten run at home continued and, on tonight's form, it appears to be a record that will be hard to break.

The Silver Ferns must now regroup with a two-test series against Team Pasifika starting in a week, followed by three tests against a World 7 early next month.

New Zealand captain Bernice Mene admitted the second quarter was critical.

"We really slowed down and got very hesitant with the ball. They put on a mid-court zone which we struggled with.

"We couldn't get the ball into the shooting circle. It was very disappointing."