3.00 pm
KINGSTON - The Silver Ferns relied on composure and team commitment to wrap up the third netball test and the series against Jamaica with a thrilling 44-42 win here today.
The Silver Ferns cast aside unhappy memories of the second test with a more controlled and purposeful outing today, in what was another physical and frantic encounter.
There were a lot of standout performers for the Silver Ferns in a match they controlled for long spells, but they could never discount the threat of the skilful Jamaicans who made several strong raids during the match.
The match threatened to boil over on numerous occasions as neither side took a backward step and their were several stoppages for injury as a consequence.
It was a much-improved effort by the Silver Ferns who were controlled and measured on attack and unwavering on defence.
Jamaica did not enjoy the quality possession they had in the second test and tended to rush their play at times.
The Silver Ferns held the upper hand at each break, with quarter scores of 14-11, 26-22 and 38-35.
The match threatened to boil over on numerous occasions as neither side took a backward step and their were several stoppages for injury as a consequence.
It was a much-improved effort by the Silver Ferns who were controlled and measured on attack and unwavering on defence.
New Zealand won the first test 46-44 and Jamaica the second 53-44.
Silver Ferns goal shoot Irene Van Dyk described the series as more demanding than any she had played against Australia.
"This is so much tougher because they're much more physical," Van Dyk said.
"The Australians get away with it with their skill."
She said the New Zealanders had few problems with Jamaican umpire Dalton Hinds after struggling with his interpretations in the second test.
"He was pretty much the same as the previous game but we just had to make sure we did the basics correctly. He didn't pull me up as much but he pulled up some of the other girls for a bit of contact and stepping."
There was another controversy when the game was ended with two minutes 59 seconds still showing on the scoreboard.
Van Dyk said the match timekeeper hadn't stopped the clock which was shown to the crowd during the numerous injury breaks.
"We were still playing like there was three minutes to go. We looked at the scoreboard as well, we had no idea the time was up.
"It was not as exciting as a normal game would end. You want the time to be up when you're leading but it was a bit of a downer.
"Some people here aren't very happy but we're jumping out of our skin."
- NZPA
Netball: Silver Ferns win third test
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.