Aust, beats N.Z. for world netball title

Press, 25 June 1983, Page 60

Aust, beats N.Z. for world netball title

New Zealand’s claim to supremacy in world netball was dashed last evening by a fitter and more composed Australian team at the world netball championships in Singapore.

In very humid conditions, the Australians out-shot by 47-42 a New Zealand side that failed to fire to take the sole rights to the title the two teams have shared for the last four years. The third title co-leader, Trinidad-Tobago, beat England by 43-40 in an earlier match to finish third. A determined Australian team made good the threat issued last year in the series in New Zealand by outplaying their trans-Tasman rivals. The tension of the match was evident from the early seconds as first Australia, then New Zealand, made mistakes from its centre passes. New Zealand drew first blood with a Rhonda Meads goal, but then nerves set in for the young goal shooter, and she missed several vital shots during the first half. Penalised several times early on, the New Zealand nlayers seemed hesitant and with Meads and fellow shooter Margharet Matenga only able to bounce the ball off the goal ring, were slower to settle than the Australians. Sue Hawkins boosted the Australian's confidence by netting accurately at the other end. Five minutes into the match, Australia were three goals up and playing confidently, using its running, one-handed style of play, Karan Smith, the heroine of the Trinidad match, was particularly quick to the

loose ball and her long passes into the goal circle from the centre third gave her team a big advantage. Led by the captain, Lyn Parker, and Leigh Gibbs, the New Zealand team regrouped and well-timed interceptions from the defence gave their shooters the extra possession. Margharet Matenga levelled the scores at 6-6. Spurred on by this, the New Zealanders lifted their game and Meads netted a goal to take it into the lead for the first time. Play seesawed from goal to goal with Australia snatching back the lead by a single goal at the quarter. The second quarter was ali Australia as New Zealand’s play was punctuated with unforced errors. With Sue Hawkins and Anne Sergeant shooting confidently, Australia pulled away to a five-goal lead. The New Zealand defence, which had looked strong in earlier matches, had little answer to the accuracy of the two Australians. Meads and Matenga had fewer shots in this quarter, but were still unable to put them through the net. Australia increased its first quarter lead to 2216 at half-time. A team noted for playing a strong third quarter, New Zealand took the court after half-time with renewed determination and quickly halved the Australian lead. However, the side still

could not match the accuracy of the Australian shooters — the goal attack, Sergeant, did not miss a shot during the quarter — and New Zealand trailed by 29-35 at the end of the spell. The New Zealand team lost its composure and could not foot it with the fitter Australians in the 30-degree plus temperatures at the University of Singapore courts. The the beginning of the final quarter, the Australians looked to have the match under control and seemed set for their fifth world title. A missed first goal in the last spell must have seemed like a bad omen for the New Zealanders and a recurring nightmare for Meads. Some concerted play from New Zealand brought it to within three goals midway through the quarter, but they could not sustain the pace. Australia lifted its game for a very strong final five minutes and ran away to a final five goal advantage. The New Zealand coach, Lois Muir, paid due credit to the Australians for their win. She commended the New Zealand defensive trio of Tracey Fear, Yvonne Willering and Waimarama Taumaunu for their efforts. “We worked very hard and it was difficult in this situation with the crowd, but I am proud,” she said. Quarter scores were: (Australian scores first) 1110, 22-16, 35-29, 47-42.