New Zealand and Australia took different paths today to their final showdown in the Commonwealth Games netball tournament.
The Silver Ferns looked the more impressive of the two favourites in the semi-finals, dealing comprehensively with Jamaica 59-43. By contrast, Australia were pushed all the way before edging ahead of England 51-45.
New Zealand coach Ruth Aitken elected to start with the defensive pairing of Anna Scarlett and Casey Williams, perhaps hoping their height would negate the shooting prowess of rangy Jamaican kingpin Romelda Aiken.
However, the score was only 17-17 at quarter-time. The Silver Ferns did better when Leana de Bruin came on at goal defence after the first quarter, with Williams moving to the back.
By halftime New Zealand led by seven and always looked likely winners after that.
For New Zealand, Irene van Dyk was exemplary, succeeding with all 32 of her shots, while goal attack Maria Tutaia shot 27 from 36.
Australia were pushed through the first three quarters and going into the final spell, led by just a solitary goal. However, they upped the tempo and eased clear when it counted.
The final, on Thursday, offers the perfect scenario, matching world champions Australia against Commonwealth Games defending champions New Zealand.
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