Diamonds and Jamaica draw second Test, 49 - 49

Saturday, January 15, 2011

A draw in the second Test in Kingston has set the scene for a thrilling third and deciding Test on Monday (AEDST) between the Australian Diamonds and Jamaica’s Sunshine Girls.

 The Diamonds trailed all match, not hitting the front until a tense final quarter when scores see-sawed and neither team was able to earn more than a one-goal advantage.  The final siren saw the scoreline locked at 49 all.

As expected, the match was extremely physical with plenty of turnovers from both teams.   The Jamaicans improved their shooting percentage and capitalized on improved passing into star goaler Romelda Aiken. 

 Coach Norma Plummer made changes at every break, with Cox and Steel the only two players not to take the court (vice-captain von Bertouch was ruled out before the game with a corked thigh).

The Jamaicans looked set to pull away on a number of occasions in the final quarter but Diamonds managed to come back each time, the home crowd in full voice. 

 The final test will be played in Kingston on Monday 17 January at 11.30am AEDST 

Quarter by Quarter scores:

Q1: 11 (Aus) 14 (Jam)

Q2: 24 (Aus) 24 (Jam)

Q3: 36 (Aus) 37 (Jam)

Q4: 49 (Aus) 49(Jam)

Starting 7: GS Kate Beveridge, GA Sharelle McMahon (Captain), WA Lauren Nourse, C Kimberlee Green, WD Rebecca Bulley, GK Susan Fuhrmann.  Injured: Natalie von Bertouch (corked thigh)

Shooting Stats

Australia

McMahon: 25 from 34 (74%)

Beveridge: 8 from 12 (67%)

Medhurst : 16 from 18 (89%)

Jamaica

Aiken: 35 from 37 (95%)

Fowler:  12 from 13 (92%)

Kelly: 2 from 5 (40%)

Changes:

Q2: Beveridge off, Medhurst on to GA, McMahon to GS

Q3: Browne on to WA, replacing Nourse.

Q4: Nourse to C, Green to WD, Bulley to GD replacing Geitz

Quotes from Norma Plummer:

 “We always knew this was going to be difficult – Jamaica always come out and turn it on in the second game after a loss in the first.  Playing Jamaica at home is always extremely difficult.”

“Unfortunately we missed Nat von Bertouch and what she could add to our centre court.” [von Bertouch was ruled out with a corked thigh]

“Bec Bulley was extremely solid at wing defence and did a great job, but the pass into Romelda was pretty spot on tonight and that kept them right up there.

“Sharelle had a great game and was probably best on court tonight – a real captain’s game and her timing was fantastic.”

 “Madi Browne came back on after half time and did a fantastic job and worked hard.”

 “Geitz was on for three quarters and I thought she did a pretty good job in her first go at goal defence.”