Hot on the heels of 14 and 11-goal margins in the opening home tests, the New Zealand Silver Ferns picked up their first win in Australia since 2019.

“We knew this was a super big game for us, we haven’t won in Australia for so long and we knew it was just going to be us out there,” Silver Ferns captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio said.

The Silver Ferns romped home with a convincing 18-goal victory, leading to a final score of 61-43 in Perth, winning the Constellation Cup.

“I’m a bit lost for words, but we’re just so stoked, and I’m so proud,” Ekenasio said.

The Silver Ferns started the game strongly, taking an early lead, but the speed of the Diamonds’ attack kept the scores tied at 13-all heading into the first break. 

Once the second quarter resumed, the Silver Ferns took a two-goal lead, which changed hands a couple of times due to midcourt pressure and smothering defence.

The Silver Ferns maintained their starting seven for the third straight match, while the Diamonds made three changes, including starting the effective Sophie Dwyer at goal attack.

The lead changed hands several times before midcourter Kimiora Poi found her target of key shooting weapon, Grace Nweke, with the Silver Ferns going to the halftime break leading 28-26. 

A three-goal flurry followed as the Silver Ferns as Ekenasio sunk long-range shots while the team absorbed a physical challenge from the Diamonds.

At the defensive end, the New Zealand squad became more prominent, with Heffernan, Burger, and Jackson securing crucial extra possessions.

After winning their first third quarter of the series, the Silver Ferns led the Diamonds 46-35 going into the last quarter.

The Silver Ferns capitalized on turnovers, boosting their possession and finishing with a flurry of goals in the final stanza.

“We knew we came in here as underdogs, that Australia is such a quality team, and this is probably the hardest 60 minutes we’ve ever played, and we almost had nothing to lose. And that inspired the fight in us,” Ekenasio said.