Like so many other matches between the two teams, the game went down to the wire, with the Diamonds’ grit and composure prevailing in the final quarter to take the game 47-46.

Down 4-2 early, Australia hit the front halfway through the opening quarter and scored the last three goals of the term to lead 14-10 at the first break.

Sharelle McMahon again proved the Silver Ferns` nemesis, the athletic attacker`s speed and timing being an early feature of the match. The Diamonds` speed around the circle gave them early options to open up opportunities in the circle, where McMahon and Pratley were strong finishers.

The New Zealanders were more patient and measured in their approach, and hit a purple patch in the second quarter as the intensity lifted. Laura Langman provided the inspiration for a strong Silver Ferns fightback with a forceful display at centre. A livewire on attack and around the circle edge, Langman also delivered on defence with some sterling back-up work.

On a roll, the Silver Ferns pegged back the four-goal deficit to tie up the match at 18-all, but the visitors hit back to lead 25-22 at half-time.

New Zealand replied in kind, scoring the first five goals of the third quarter to hit the front, as it took Australia almost three and a half minutes to register their opening score of the period.

From there it was a goal-for-goal battle until errors and a couple of intercepts from a relentless and brilliant Julie Corletto counted against the Silver Ferns.

Five straight goals pushed Australia out to a 39-34 lead heading down the home straight.

Again the Silver Ferns fought back strongly in a thrilling final quarter, levelling the scores at 39-all with just over eleven minutes to go. The Australian Diamonds flatly refused to surrender and maintained their defensive pressure while McMahon and Pratley coolly potted their eight shots for the quarter.