Australia Overcome Spirited English Effort 47-40

17 May 2007
By Rona Hunnisett

A superb second half defensive display from Australia's midcourt, inspired by WD Selina Gilsenan, and fiercely competitive defence from captain Liz Ellis and Mo'onia Gerrard effectively crushed England's hope of a famous victory in the Tri-Nations Netball international at Earl's Court this evening, leaving the world number 2 side to run out 47-40 winners.

However, England, currently ranked fourth, will take heart from their performance, which saw them lead 12-9 at quarter time and level 22 all at half time, against their highly rated opponents. And, with the World Championships in New Zealand less than six months away, England's preparations look to be moving in the right direction, after their defeat of World Champions New Zealand in Manchester last Sunday.

England came out strongly from the first whistle, with Cookey and Brownfield maintaining the form of Sunday's win in the shooting circle. Jade Clarke was once again England's lynchpin in centre court, but with Australia's Gilsenan and the von Bertouch sisters settling into their pacy attacking movements, England's first quarter lead (12-9) was wiped out by the half time break.

The third quarter was all about Australia, with Aussie GA and vice captain Sharelle McMahon and GS Catherine Cox frequently leaving the English defence chasing skirts with their speedy interplay round the goal. Australia led 35-29 at three quarter time, and Ellis and Gerrard turned the defensive screw on the England attack, shutting down any hint of space and forcing the home team to pass the ball back into the centre third on several occasions. Mkoloma and McMahon had another titanic battle in the circle, with neither willing to give an inch, but with Australia's rotational shooting formation causing problems with the speed of passing and movement, the lead edged up to six goals at three quarter time. .

Despite a spirited English fightback in the final quarter, the Australians' will to win seemed stronger, and with the visitors taking full advantage of a couple of scrappy errors by the home team towards the end of the game, the opportunity for a second famous victory in a week for the English team was gone.

Australia takes the Pukka Pies International Tri Series trophy, with England second and New Zealand third.

Starting line ups
England: GS Brownfield, GA Cookey, WA Atkinson, C Clarke, WD Newton, GD Mkoloma, GK Mentor
Changes: 3rd Q: GA Greenway (injury replacement for Cookey)

Australia: GS Cox, GA McMahon, WA L von Bertouch, C N von Bertouch, WD Gilsenan, GD Gerrard, GK Ellis
No changes/substitutions

Shooting statistics:

Brownfield 24/31, Cookey 16/18
Cox 24/33, McMahon 23/25