Final Score - England 43 Australia 45, from the O2 Arena, London
Australia left it late at the O2 Arena. Very late. But then it's that strength and resolve that makes them the number one side in the world. The England squad will be waking up this morning wondering how it came to be that a 9 goal lead in the deciding test match could slip away and eventually hand the series to the Diamonds.
England had been ahead for most of the match and appeared to be in control going into the final quarter, playing with flair, decisiveness and confidence, but a late surge by Australia saw a dramatic win snatched away. For more than 50 minutes England looked as if they were going build on their first win against Australia and claim a Series win, but some inspired play meant the Diamonds completed their comeback and took the 3rd Test, and with it the Co-operative International Netball Series.
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The England squad will be waking up this morning wondering how it came to be that a 9 goal lead in the deciding test match could slip away
England started brightly, making the most of a contact call, and from there England took the game to Australia and with excellent shooting from Jo Harten and Pamela Cookey amassing a six point advantage in the first quarter but finishing at 12-8.
The second period got under way and England were still in control of the match although Mo’onia Gerrard was beginning to make things tough for Karen Atkinson who was doing well at wing attack to get the ball into the England circle. Harten landed yet another shot, the crowd getting behind the team as the scoreboard moved on to 19-13. Sara Bayman worked hard in defence and managed to halt a number of Australian attacks and at half-time England led by six goals.
Eboni Beckford-Chambers replaced Sonia Mkolomacame at goal defence at half time and England continued to play well, increasing their lead to 29-20. England’s tactics were working well in both circles but there were signs that the Australians were beginning to click as their shooters scored some impressive long shots. A couple of misses from the England shooters saw the ball fall into Australian hands allowing the Diamonds to creep closer to England's total. Despite further misplaced passes and missed shot attempts from Sue Hawkins side, the margin remained at six goals with 15 minutes to play.
The final quarter began with England comfortably ahead, Jade Clarke moved to WD, Sara Bayman to C while Australia brought on Laura Geitz at GK. As the quarter progressed, England started to show signs of fading self belief and the decisive and dynamic style that had driven them through the first three quarters faded away at an alarming speed. With England faltering, and Australia looking every bit the world's number one side, it became clear that a close finish was on the cards. Nevertheless the crowd responded with a deafening encouragement, seemingly determined to believe that a series win was still possible.
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For arguably 9 of the 12 quarters played in this series, England had been the better side; sharper, more decisive, more dynamic and consistent
At 39-38 Karen Atkinson was pulled up for breaking on the centre pass and the turn over allowed Australia to level the match at 39-39. Then for the first time in the match the Diamonds went in front 39-40; their converted centre pass made it two, 39-41 and the England side looked, for the first time, like they didn't know how to respond. In the final minutes England rallied, but a couple of crucial errors earlier in the quarter proved telling as the clock ran down. The final whistle went and the players stared up at the score board with dismay as they knew they had fallen at the final hurdle. They had come within minutes of a series win but lost the match 43-45. For the neutral, a spectacular display of high energy, skilful netball from the best players in the world. For England supporters, disbelief at how such a performance could end in defeat. Final Score - England 43 Australia 45
Whilst in the Series post mortem it will be easy to see the score lines and find reasons to be negative, England must reflect on the three matches and take a lot of encouragement. For arguably 9 of the 12 quarters played in this series, England had been the better side; sharper, more decisive, more dynamic and consistent. What England must address, if they're to overcome the Diamonds in the upcoming Commonwealth Games, is how to close out the match when they set up a winning opportunity. Sue Hawkins and her team know that only too well so with that to focus on, and some exceptional performances from players in all thirds to draw on, the team should regroup with genuine belief that Commonwealth Gold is a real possibility, not a hopeful aspiration.
Final Score - England 43 Australia 45
Australia win the Co-operative International Netball Series