THE Australian Diamonds beat rivals New Zealand Silver Ferns to win the inaugural Netball Quad Series.
It was a white-knuckle game from the beginning, with the lead changing hands 10 times.
The Ferns took almost six minutes to secure the first break of the match, but unanswered goals at the end of the first quarter saw the Diamonds go into the first quarter break with a three-goal lead.
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READ NOWThe Ferns made the most of the second term, netting the opening five goals before the Diamonds fought back to end the first half at 30 goals apiece.
Diamonds head coach Lisa Alexander reshuffled her defensive unit in the third quarter, sending acting captain Clare McMeniman to wing defence and April Brandley into goal defence.
The move provided additional height in the goal circle and blocking ability through the midcourt, seeing the Diamonds close out the term with a one-goal lead.
The Diamonds dialled up their intensity, with a vocal home crowd cheering them on.
A burst of four goals, scored within a minute, with just 90 seconds on the clock saw the Diamonds storm home to victory with a score of 60-55.