England have claimed only their third-ever win over Australia in Australia with a thrilling two-goal victory in Sydney on Sunday.
Despite winning only one quarter of the contest, the Roses snared a 61-59 victory to ensure the series heads into a deciding Test in Bendigo on Wednesday night.
England star Helen Housby (29/33, 10 goal assists) put out a “monster” performance and combined with Liv Tchine (32/34 goals) to lead her side to victory, made even more impressive by the absence of Eleanor Cardwell.
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But it was defender Funmi Fadoju named player of the match for her eight gains – including two intercepts and 12 deflections.
It’s a remarkable turnaround for a side that was run off the court by Australia in their game one 13-goal loss.
For Australia, it was a game let slip after Kiera Austin put the Diamonds in front late in the final term but couldn’t hold on.
Both Shooters cop heavy contact | 01:13
QUARTER BY QUARTER MATCH REPORT
STARTING SEVEN
Australia: GS Koenen, GA Austin, WA Watson, C Moloney, WD Parmenter, GD Aryang, GK Klau
England: GS Tchine, GA Housby, WA Pearson, C Allison, WD Cobden, GD Fadoju, GK Williams
Cara Koenen returned to Australia’s starting line up but endured an “uncharacteristic” rough start to the Test.
Koenen managed just 4/7 in the opening 10 minutes as the Diamonds’ attack end coughed up ball time and time again.
Two moments of brilliance from defender Funmi Fadoju ensured the Roses stayed on top as “loose” balls from the Aussies and a bit of luck for the English saw the visitors reclaim the lead.
Koenen was able to level scores at 13-all at the first change – albeit after missing her first attempt but drawing the penalty to get a second bite at the goal.
Despite the attack end woes, Australian coach Stacey Marinkovich didn’t make any changes for the second term.
More miscommunication from the Diamonds ensured it was England who opened up a three-goal buffer.
But the defensive duo of Sarah Klau and Sunday Aryang squeezed up the Roses and causes the turnover the Aussies desperately needed.
When Kiera Austin got the tip midcourt, she streaked down court to convert and suddenly it was Australia back in front.
At the main break, the Diamonds who held a 29-27 lead.
Marinkovich opted to return to her game one winning attack end with Sophie Garbin brought on at goal shooter.
Defensively, Aryang pushed out to wing defence and Tilly Garrett saw her first minutes at goal defence.
And Garbin sunk 5/6 in just five minutes of play as Australia got up by four.
“What a target she is for them (Australia),” Diamonds legend Catherine Cox praised.
Despite the clear link between Austin and Garbin, England remained in touch and were able to pinch ball back.
Rudi Ellis headed out for Australia and almost had the immediate intercept as scores levelled.
Just as England looked to close, Helen Housby was penalised for deliberately trying to slow play – and as a result, the ball was advanced to the circle’s edge and Kiera Austin made no mistake.
By the final change, Australia still held their two-goal advantage to lead 45-43.
England’s intensity lifted again in the last as Austin’s ball to Garbin didn’t drop – and the Roses levelled scores early in the term.
Klau returned to the court for the final nine minutes as England got their noses in front.
Again it was Austin who stole the ball back when Australia needed it.
Fadoju got up and it paid dividends for the visitors as the lead swung once more.
Paige Hadley came on at centre, Moloney shifted to wing defence and Aryang into goal defence for the final 3.30 minutes for Australia.
When Aryang couldn’t keep the ball in, England pounced and opened up a three-goal advantage.
And they held on for a remarkable win.
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