Well that’s all she wrote from yours truly. Tip of the hat to City and their fans who get bragging rights until the next Melbourne derby. As cagey as the first half was, the second half was an action-packed affair with thrills, spills and, erm, trills (seagulls trill right?). Thanks for joining me, I’ll catch you next time.
Full-time: Melbourne Victory 1-2 Melbourne City
Budzinski gets the chance to finish it - one on one with the keeper - but he fluffs it, hitting it straight at Thomas. Moments later, it’s all over. An excellent result for City. Victory must be wondering how they have nothing to show from their opening two games.
90+4 min: Hats off to City for the way they’ve defended tonight. Victory have shown menace and intent for the entire half but City have been equal to almost all of it.
90+2 min: Oooo! Williams gets a header on a free-kick but it shaves the crossbar and goes over. Good chance and there won’t be many more. If any.
90 min: A free-kick for City and they’re in absolutely no rush at all to take it. It’s taken long and Cahill wins the header. Goes without saying.
89 min: They’ve probably been the better side this half but it’s looking like another loss for Victory. Sanchez goes in the book for a tackle from behind on Cahill.
87 min: If it stays like this, it will be a big result for both clubs - even at this early stage. Two home defeats to start the season is not the form of a title-winning team. City, however, have shown some real steel in defence - something they’ve struggled with at times the last couple of seasons.
85 min: Donachie has been shoved up front. Or to give it a more accurate title - out of harm’s way.
84 min: Dear oh dear. That was Victory’s last substitution and Donachie is clearly struggling with a leg injury. City hoping to take advantage with a foray into the Victory half, but it comes to nothing.
Updated
82 min: Donachie goes in the book for a professional foul on Fitzgerald. Took him out just before he could launch a counter-attack. Ingham comes on for Valeri.
80 min: And on he comes. McCormack is the man to make way.
79 min: Here we go. Mr Cahill is about to make an appearance. We know he’s good at attacking corners, how useful is he at defending them though? That’d probably be more useful for City at the minute.
77 min: City defending for their lives at the minute - they’re sat way too far back for my liking, offering nothing at the other end.
75 min: Another corner for Victory who are turning the screw. The City defenders have done well so far but will they reach breaking point? They manage to get the cross into the box away to safety. Off comes Milligan, on comes Sanchez.
72 min: Some first-rate histrionics from Schenkeveld there after Berisha’s arm wafts in his general direction.
70 min: Off comes George, much to the displeasure of the Victory fans. He’s already a cult hero. On comes Austin.
Bruce Kamau could have ended up in St Kilda there! What a run. #MelbDerby pic.twitter.com/PlGho8aMAZ
— TEN Sport (@tensporttv) October 14, 2017
67 min: Well this is turning into a rip-snorter. City back in front against the run of play. Victory need to have faith in the way they were playing, they were creating chances left, right and centre. Literally.
GOAL! Melbourne Victory 1-2 Melbourne City (Kamau 65 min)
65 min: Kamau with a long, long run down the pitch. Somehow none of the Victory defenders manage to catch him until he’s in a position to pull the trigger - the shot takes a deflection and loops into the net. Devastating for Victory who had City on the ropes and were looking for a knockout blow.
Updated
63 min: George fires one over the bar - it had the angle but not the height. The Victory fans are loving this.
61 min: City goalscorer Budzinski wins a free-kick as City take a moment to breathe. McCormack curls in a wicked effort and Thomas palms it to safety. It was top-corner bound.
60 min: It’s been a much-improved half from Victory so far. Troisi with another curler but it goes inches wide. Don’t think Galekovic would have got a look in.
58 min: Troisi tries to curl the free-kick beyond the wall but it doesn’t have the angle and deflects out for a corner. Victory piling on the pressure.
Updated
57 min: Muscat (not that one) goes in the book for a trip on Troisi just as he was about to break into the box. Victory have their tails up. More importantly they have a free-kick right on the edge of the box.
GOAL! Melbourne Victory 1-1 Melbourne City (George 55 min)
55 min: Troisi with a beautiful, curling ball to the back post, where George takes one touch then rifles it home between the keeper’s legs. We’re all square again.
Updated
54 min: Kamau allowed to turn in the box, but Rhys Williams throws his body in the way and the ball bounces out for a corner. The Victory defence were far too static.
52 min: Lawrence Thomas must have some hot chips in his pocket or something, those seagulls are all flocking to his end.
49 min: Victory seem to have upped the tempo slightly in response to falling behind. That could open the game up, something that was missing in the first half. Victory are making all the early running in this half although no clear sight at goal so far.
Second half: Melbourne Victory 0-1 Melbourne City
46 min: Berisha gets us back under way in Melbourne. Muscat must have had a few choice words to say during the break. They’d worked their way back into the game only to switch off at the death. They’ve started the half well, early pressure on City.
Football - Western Sydney Wanderers 2-2 Central Coast Mariners
Western Sydney Wanderers twice came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw with Central Coast Mariners at Spotless Stadium.
Asdrubal pounced to net from close range after an Andrew Hoole shot bounced off the chest of Wanderers goalkeeper Vedran Janjetovic. Oriel Riera equalised for the home side just before the break after Dutchman Wout Brama was judged to have pushed Roly Bonevacia in the back.
The visitors regained the lead in the 63rd minute when Daniel De Silva latched onto a Hoole through ball and Wanderers defender and substitute Brendan Hamill’s desperate slide to keep the ball out of the net was unsuccessful.
Bonevacia scored from close range in the 69th minute after Mariners goalkeeper Thomas Glover pushed out a Josh Risdon cross into his path. Hoole was sent off in the 85th minute after getting a second yellow card but the Mariners held on.
AAP
Half-time: Victory 0-1 City
And that’s pretty much the last action of the half. City nick a goal right before the whistle. Muscat will be furious with his players. See you in 15.
GOAL! Melbourne Victory 0-1 Melbourne City (Budzinski 45 min)
45+2 min: Where did that come from! The sub gets the wrong side of his marker, he’s played in and fires a thunderous shot above Thomas into the roof of the net from a tight angle.
Updated
45 min: Well this one’s petering out a little as we approach the break. Victory still probing away in the City half but there’s nothing in the way of gaps. City looking tight in defence.
43 min: Malik is still struggling after that awful challenge and eventually gives up the good fight. He hobbles off minutes before half-time, replaced by Budzinski.
42 min: The mass of seagulls on the pitch just aren’t getting the message, they’re flapping about all over the place. A bit like Galekovic a minute ago.
Updated
39 min: OOOF! Milligan with a low drive from about 20 yards, it takes a deflection and Galekovic does well to adjust and spill it to safety. That could have gone anywhere.
37 min: City players starting to look a little more in tune with each other, much like they were at the start of the half. Victory look very dangerous on the break though.
35 min: Bit of argy bargy in the box between Troisi and Muscat. Big roar for a penalty from the Victory fans - but it would have been very harsh to say the least.
This ref knows there's a card worse than yellow, right? #MelbDerby
— Nick Sculley (@sculls_6) October 14, 2017
30 min: It goes to a review... and it doesn’t look any better on the second look. He gets a booking for his troubles. Probably about right although he couldn’t have complained if it had been red. Risky stuff.
29 min: Oooo! Williams goes in hard - very hard - on Malik. The replays make it look even worse. Malik stays down, and the referee has a decision to make.
26 min: The tempo is much higher than the Mariners-Wanderers game earlier - much more high-pressing from both sides. Victory guilty of a few too many trips and kicks. Not dirty just niggly. They’re getting a lot of curling balls into the box too.
22 min: Broxham tries one from distance but it’s nowhere near close enough to trouble Galekovic. There must have been a memo at Victory about long-range efforts. They’ve had a few already.
20 min: Well 20 minutes gone and we’re still waiting for a bit of a spark to get this game going. And not the sort of spark that Fitzgerald has been on the receiving end of a couple of times already. Both sides settling into a rhythm without committing too many men to attack. It’s a little cat and mouse.
Updated
17 min: Victory slowly seeing more and more of the ball. And the City goal for that matter. They’ve already had a few pot shots, just keeping the City defenders on their toes.
15 min: A deep corner from Victory is held well by Galekovic amidst a sea of players. Confident stuff from the shotstopper. Despite struggling for possession, Victory are still creating openings.
Gotta respect the chutzpah of a player that complains about a decision after completely butchering someone lol #MelbDerby
— Simon Mattiaccio (@smatt1616) October 14, 2017
12 min: Broxham goes in the book after scything into Fitzgerald. The City man has had some rough treatment already.
9 min: Victory look a little sluggish but the first time they get close to the City box, Troisi whips in a dangerous low delivery that flies across the face of goal.
7 min: City making all the early running as Victory take a while to settle. It’d be interesting to see the possession stats. Victory have barely touched it in this opening spell.
6 min: A lazy pass from Broxham, who makes up for his mistake with a crunching tackle on Fitzgerald. Muscat doesn’t look happy with the way his side’s started. Then again he never looks happy.
Updated
4 min: Well he’s forced Thomas into another save. Good signs for City early doors.
3 min: McCormack with a curling effort that forces Thomas into a smart, but relatively easy, save. The young City player has a lot of expectation riding on him. Can he live up to it?
Kick-off
1 min: Peeeeep! Hold on to your hats folks because we’re in for a bumpy ride. Valeri flies into a challenge with 30 seconds gone and that’s the first yellow card of the night. It won’t be the last.
Football
Apologies to Victory fans but with everything that happened last week it would be remiss of me not to at least point to Tim Cahill’s immediate impact on this fixture on his A-League debut. Never gets old.
Football
Right here we go, the big one - and blimey charley it sounds loud at the Etihad tonight. Stand By Me blasts out from the speakers.
Our team is in for tonight's massive #MelbDerby! pic.twitter.com/dBK5l5WZQ4
— Melbourne City FC (@MelbourneCity) October 14, 2017
Some big inclusions to the starting XI tonight! #MelbDerby pic.twitter.com/Ws19U8fYd6
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) October 14, 2017
Football
Excellent stuff. No time to dawdle though - let’s head straight to Melbourne for the weekend’s big derby.
Full-time: Wanderers 2-2 Mariners
The Mariners get a corner at the death. It comes to nothing but the visitors manage to hold on to the ball and even launch another attack. You wouldn’t think they were a man down in injury time. And that’s it. The referee blows and the Mariners grab a point.
90+3 min: It’s getting a little stop-start as the game draws to a close. Not that the Mariners will mind. They’re seeing this out quite comfortably, it’s certainly no siege.
90+2 min: Golec holds his shin after a tough challenge by Risdon. Risky stuff by the Wanderers man, although the Mariners will be happy to chew up some time.
Updated
90 min: Risdon in the book now, for going into the back of Brama. It’s all getting a bit messy in these final few minutes.
89 min: The Wanderers finally look like they’ve found some urgency - although it might be a tad bit late. The clock is ticking, and every wayward ball elicits groans from the home crowd.
87 min: Now then, can the Mariners hold on for these final few minutes? They deserve something today. Santalab in the book now - didn’t take him long to make an impression. De Silva comes off for Appiah. Well played that lad.
Updated
85 min: It’s whipped into the crowd from Hoole but defended well... and moments later he gets his marching orders. Hoole is off. He went straight through the back of Cejudo challenging for a high ball. A second booking.
84 min: Free-kick for the Mariners on the left edge of the box. Can they make the most of it?
82 min: Mariners on the attack. It’s been good to see De Silva show flashes of the skill that made him such a sought-after youngster. If he can build on this he’ll be a very dangerous player for the Mariners. McGing comes on for Roux. Bonevacia comes off for Santalab.
Updated
80 min: I’m not convinced this is going to stay at 2-2. No idea who will score though - it’s one of those matches. Both teams having sights of goal as we enter end game.
78 min: Llorente seems to be getting a lot of joy down the left flank for the Wanderers. They’re looking for him every time... and usually finding him too. The Mariners have to be careful they don’t throw this away.
76 min: Goalscorer Asdrubal comes off for Bingham.
73 min: Knights of Columbus how did the Wanderers not score! Llorente breaks into the box, it falls to Cejudo who dinks it to the back post beyond the keeper but neither Bridge nor Riera can get on the end of it. They didn’t even stick out a leg!
71 min: Hoole fires one from distance and Janjetovic smothers it with a low dive. Such an open game, although the Mariners should really be in the lead. A couple of poor decisions and they’ve paid both times.
Updated
GOAL! Wanderers 2-2 Mariners - Bonevacia (69 min)
69 min: The Mariners give away possession in the middle of the pitch. Risdon commits two Mariners players and slips it through down the right flank. A half-parry from Glover falls to Bonevacia who fires home. All level again.
Updated
66 min: The Wanderers don’t seem to know how to respond. They’re offering nothing at the minute. If they don’t change something soon the game will get away from them.
GOAL! Wanderers 1-2 Mariners - De Silva (63 min)
63 min: Hoole with a cracking throughball to De Silva, who dinks it over the keeper. Excellent goal and the Mariners are well worth it. It was De Silva who started the move off too, continuing the charge up field to round it all off.
Updated
63 min: It’s been a bit one-way for the last six or seven minutes, the Wanderers struggling to string possession together. Paul Okon must be pleased by how his side have bounced back from that drubbing last week, although while it’s 1-1...
Updated
61 min: De Silva is teed up by Hiariej’s header but he can’t get over the top of it and the ball sails high and wide. Promising from the Mariners.
Updated
59 min: Corner take two... it ends up with a bit of a goalmouth scramble that the Wanderers just manage to get to safety. Warning signs for the hosts though. The Mariners are building up possession again.
58 min: Corner to the Mariners. It’s swung in... well not really because the referee stops the run up after hearing something on the mic. Not sure what this is all about.
57 min: Handball in the box? The Mariners think so, the referee doesn’t. Looks like it hit Llorente’s hand but not sure he could have got out the way.
I wonder if my teammates like me.....#WSWvCCM #ALeague pic.twitter.com/R0yGcnHrhv
— Tom Grealy (@Tom_Grealy) October 14, 2017
53 min: Lovely ball from Jumpei out wide to Llorente, who plays in Bonevacia. Good defending to stop the shot but that’s better from the Wanderers.
51 min: Golec with some, ahem, “unorthodox” defending - slicing a dangerous cross into the box over his own net. It was possibly the best thing he could have done in the situation. Decent start by the Wanderers... although I said that 45 minutes ago.
49 min: Looks like an early change for the Wanderers. Thwaite indicating something is wrong with his hamstring. Off he trudges to be replaced by Hamill.
48 min: Glover, who has looked solid for the Mariners, slips as he comes to collect a deep ball and almost gives away a handball. Would have been harsh. The Wanderers clearly think they can get some joy from those little dinks over the Mariners back line. No joy so far though.
Second half: Wanderers 1-1 Mariners
46 min: Here we go again. It’ll be interesting to see how the Wanderers respond to the previous half, they were definitely on the back foot, largely because they let the Mariners control possession in their own half without any pressure being put on the defence. Jumpei gets caught offside again. Deja vu at the start of the second half.
Half-time: Wanderers 1-1 Mariners
All square as the half comes to a close. The Wanderers finally start to press the Mariners high up the pitch but it’s come a little too late. We’ll see if they adapt after the break. Catch you in 15.
Updated
44 min: A great passage of play by the Mariners puts De Silva through into the box. It’s a tight angle though and the best he can do is try to squeeze it through the keeper’s legs. Janjetovic isn’t falling for it though and makes the block.
42 min: That poor effort from Pain minutes before the penalty might come back to haunt the Mariners. It was a bit of a harsh call from the ref. Still a decent half from them though... if it stays like this of course.
GOAL! Wanderers 1-1 Mariners - (Riera 39 min)
39 min: OOOooo, Glover gets a fingertip too it but it’s right in the corner from Riera. Good penalty.
Updated
Penalty to Wanderers
38 min: Kiss of death from yours truly as the Mariners give away a penalty. Looked a little harsh to me, a flailing arm in the box from Brama in a tussle and Bonevacia goes down easily. Be interesting to see the replay.
Updated
36 min: Things couldn’t have gone much better tactically for the Mariners. They’ve grown in confidence as the half has gone on. De Silva with a cheeky chip that sails just over.
34 min: Suddenly the Mariners’ decision to play it around in defence looks masterful - perfect away tactics. I take it all back. And they should have been two up! Rose with a great pass through to Pain but the final shot is far too tame and Janjetovic saves it comfortably.
Updated
Right on cue 😂 #WSWvCCM pic.twitter.com/0DxE1hilhv
— md. (@md9891) October 14, 2017
30 min: The Mariners look so much better going forward than they did last season. Huge improvement in terms of finding space and picking out passes. I’m still not entirely convinced by the defence though. They’ve done well so far.
27 min: Hats off to the Mariners... and I should probably eat my own while I’m at it because I was being overly critical of their patient play earlier but it’s paid off. The momentum has shifted, Mariners with their tails up. If their final ball was a bit better they might even be further ahead.
Updated
24 min: That goal seems to have flustered the Wanderers a bit. A long ball over the top from Glover almost catches out the home defence... but a replay shows no less than four Mariners men in an offside position. Take your pick linesman.
GOAL! Wanderers 0-1 Mariners - (Asdrubal 21min)
21 min: A bouncing shot from Hoole, Janjetovic spills it and Asdrubal pounces to stab it home from close range. Poor from the keeper, although the ball went through a few legs before it reached him - he would’ve seen it late. And the Mariners have the lead.
Updated
19 min: More ball strokeage from the Mariners. Cough cough. It’s not really going anywhere though... sideways counts I suppose. It seems to be a pattern from the Mariners, pass it around in defence then try a killer ball into a danger area. It’s not brought too much success so far though.
17 min: Great defending from Golec to stop Risdon. He even manages to save the corner. Some nice play from the Wanderers though, they’re asking more questions of the Mariners’ defence than vice versa.
16 min: Some decent enough passing from both sides but not much incision so far. De Silva drives one low from distance but the keeper was always on top of it. Wanderers try a long ball over the top but it’s another offside.
15 min: Hoole in the book for a studs-up challenge. No complaints.
13 mins: It didn’t take long for the brass section to pipe up. Literally. Not sure which set of fans are blowing their own trumpets though. Llorente catches a glimpse of goal from distance, fires it towards the keeper but it slices wide. Glover never looked concerned.
11 min: The Mariners still happy to stroke the ball across the defence, switching flanks as they look for openings. Roux and De Silva almost team up to create a chance but it’s defended well by the Wanderers.
9 min: Glover with a sharp save to deny the Wanderers from close range. Seconds later he’s called into action again, diving at the feet of Riera to cut out a dangerous opening.
7 min: Glover comes running out of his box and makes a diving header to clear a long ball over the top towards Jumpei. Smart, if a little unorthodox, goalkeeping.
6 min: Brama with a poor ball to gift possession to the Wanderers. They try to break but are forced to delay the attack and Jumpei is caught offside for the second time in the opening minutes.
4 min: Quite a sedate start compared to the Mariners’ previous outing. For a team coming off the back of a hammering, they’re passing the ball around confidently - not that the Wanderers are particularly applying much pressure. It’s mostly in the Mariners half anyway.
Updated
Kick-off: Western Sydney Wanderers 0-0 Central Coast Mariners
1min: Aaaaaand we’re off. Bonevacia gets things under way and the Wanderers immediately try to put some early pressure on the Mariners defence.
Updated
Football
In all seriousness, that is a strong squad for the Wanderers (as opposed to a strong starting XI). Bridge and Santalab on the bench? Nice options to have.
Strongest XI I've seen in a long time for the Wanderers. Should be comfortable winners, 3-0 prediction! #WSWvCCM
— Joshua Thomas (@Joshua_Thomas97) October 14, 2017
The general consensus seems to be a big win for the Wanderers - and as we all know, football always goes exactly according to plan. Which is why I’m making no prediction. This fence is getting rather comfortable.
Football
While we’re waiting for the Wanderers to kick-off, a little look at last night’s match - and the enigma that is Adelaide United. Trying to guess where they’ll finish on the ladder is a sure-fire way to look stupid every pre-season. Cracking finish for the winner.
Brisbane Roar 1-2 Adelaide United
Netball - AAP match report
Australia recovered from a horrible start to complete their first Constellation Cup sweep of New Zealand in four years, with a thumping 58-42 victory in the fourth and final Test. The Diamonds maintained their trend of improving their winning margin with every game of the series, going from three to eight then 12 to 16.
Australia trailed 5-0 and took more than three minutes to score their first goal in front of 10,861 spectators on Saturday afternoon at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena. They rallied to pile on eight of the next nine goals, although New Zealand led 13-12 at quarter-time.
The Diamonds notched the first six goals of the second quarter. They outscored the Kiwis 14-9 in both middle quarters to lead 26-22 at halftime and 40-31 at the final change. They won last quarter 18-11.
Rising Diamonds wing attack Liz Watson continued her stellar series by being named player of the match.
Here's how we'll be lining up tonight in #WSWvCCM! #WSW pic.twitter.com/D7tSZd9Akv
— WS Wanderers FC (@wswanderersfc) October 14, 2017
TEAM NEWS 🔐 Paul Okon has made two changes to last week’s starting line-up with the return of Storm Roux & Andrew Hoole! #WSWvCCM pic.twitter.com/oShDnb9mXD
— #CCMFC (@CCMariners) October 14, 2017
Football
Well that was a breathless four quarters, and there’s no let up as we trudge our way towards Spotless Stadium for the imminent game between Western Sydney Wanderers and Central Coast Mariners. While we’re waiting, here’s the Mariners mascot after last week’s drubbing by the Jets. It’s fair to say he/she/it wasn’t happy. If you’re easily offended, look away now. If you’re easily offended and still look anyway, there’s some pixelated digits to safeguard your sensibilities.
The @SamsungAU Player of the Match is @watson_lizzy! #GoDiamonds #ConstellationCup pic.twitter.com/BoHFTJi7tW
— Samsung Diamonds (@AussieDiamonds) October 14, 2017
Diamonds beat Silver Ferns 58-42 to seal Constellation Cup clean sweep
Ominously for the Silver Ferns, they actually raised their game for this match and were within touching distance right up until the final quarter. Despite that, they’ve still been comprehensively beaten by a Diamonds side who are now nailed-on favourites for the Commonwealth Games gold next year. It was ruthless rather than inspired by Australia - but champion teams are capable of both, and that’s exactly what the Diamonds are. Special mention for Caitlin Thwaites who was superb when she came on early, just when it looked like Tutaia might turn the tide for the Silver Ferns.
Constellation Cup: 4th 0:00 remaining New Zealand 42-58 Australia
And that’s all she wrote. It was tight until that final quarter but the Ferns just weren’t up to the task of matching it with the Diamonds for a full four quarters. A big win to cap off a clean sweep.
Updated
Constellation Cup: 4th 1:40 remaining New Zealand 40-56 Australia
Tutaia penalised for a held ball, but it’s all a bit academic now. There’s been too much of that all game for the Ferns to seriously threaten the Diamonds. Up until this quarter, it really wasn’t that emphatic but the hosts are showing why they’re the team to beat.
Constellation Cup: 4th 4:20 remaining New Zealand 37-55 Australia
Thwaites is on fire, another goal puts the Diamonds even further ahead. Changes all round - Brandley, Moloney and Nevins all coming on for the final few minutes.
Updated
Constellation Cup: 4th 6:20 remaining New Zealand 37-52 Australia
Tutaia trying desperately to keep the Ferns in this, some quick hands gets her into position for another goal, but it’s all too little too late. They’re fighting at least, but the Diamonds have gone up a gear. They can smell blood.
Constellation Cup: 4th 8:40 remaining New Zealand 36-49 Australia
This is looking dangerous for the Ferns now, they need to get on the scoreboard before it blows out. Tutaia duly obliges but it barely makes a dent on the Diamonds’ momentum, who hit right back. Thwaites with another.
Constellation Cup: 4th 10:00 remaining New Zealand 35-47 Australia
The Diamonds have been machine-like today - not inspired but consistent and classy enough to always keep New Zealand at bay. Thwaites has hit 21 from 22 since coming on.
Constellation Cup: 4th 12:05 remaining New Zealand 33-45 Australia
It’s been a ruthless start from the Diamonds this quarter, bagging the first three goals. The Ferns pull one back from distance but Thwaites - yet again - pushes the Diamonds lead out further.
Constellation Cup: 4th 13:50 remaining New Zealand 31-42 Australia
Another 15 minutes and the Diamonds will have completed only their second Constellation Cup clean sweep. Difficult to see how the Ferns can come back from this. They’ve worked hard but the Diamonds have just been that little bit better all game... apart from maybe the opening three minutes. First blood to Australia in the 4th quarter and the gap goes into double figures.
Constellation Cup: 3rd 0:00 remaining New Zealand 31-40 Australia
This is starting to get away from the Ferns now, and you get the feeling they can sense it. They’ve actually played well but made poor decisions at crucial moments. The Diamonds as clinical as ever and the gap is getting bigger and bigger.
Updated
Constellation Cup: 3rd 1:45 remaining New Zealand 30-38 Australia
Tutaia guilty of another held ball. They’ve let themselves down too often when they’ve been in good positions. No such issues for the Diamonds, who go right up the other end and bag two quick goals. There’s that daylight again.
Constellation Cup: 3rd 3:30 remaining New Zealand 30-36 Australia
The Silver Ferns battling to stay in touch now ... and just about succeeding. Time and chances are running out though. The Diamonds are back in control. I get the feeling the Ferns may have missed their chance. Still time though.
Constellation Cup: 3rd 8:10 remaining New Zealand 26-29 Australia
After a long-spell with the ball, the Ferns finally get a goal - but they should have had more. The Diamonds weather the storm and Thwaites bags another goal - that’s eight from eight for her, she’s been excellent since she came on. The Ferns still being patient... sometimes a little too patient.
Constellation Cup: 3rd 10:40 remaining New Zealand 24-28 Australia
The Ferns need to start converting their chances. Another one goes begging, Tutaia the culprit this time - guilty of holding on. They’ve seen plenty of the ball in this quarter but they’ve not made the most of it.
Updated
Constellation Cup: 3rd 12:15 remaining New Zealand 24-28 Australia
An exchange of goals opens the half and it’s as you were in terms of the gap in score. Thwaites puts another one away and there’s the first glimmer of daylight between the teams - but it’s quickly snuffed out as the Ferns hit back on a rebound.
Constellation Cup: 3rd 14:30 remaining New Zealand 23-26 Australia
Aaaaaand we’re back. A big quarter from either side now could be enough to win it, although it’s been so tight it’s difficult to back either team to pull away. I think that opening five-goal salve from the Ferns is the furthest either side has been ahead so far. As it is, the Diamonds are in the driving seat.
Updated
Half Time: AUS 26 - NZL 22. Shooting: AUS 26/32 (81%) - NZL 22/28 (79%) #GoDiamonds #ConstellationCup
— Samsung Diamonds (@AussieDiamonds) October 14, 2017
Constellation Cup: 2nd 0:00 remaining New Zealand 22-26 Australia
And there we go for the half. The Diamonds had the better of it but the Ferns are still very much in this, especially with Tutaia on the pitch and firing.
Updated
Constellation Cup: 2nd 1:50 remaining New Zealand 21-25 Australia
The Diamonds have turned the score around this quarter but there’s still very little in it. Momentum is swinging back and forth but you’d still rather be in the Diamonds’ shoes. They just have the edge. Thwaites and Tutaia have made a difference.
Constellation Cup: 2nd 4:40 remaining New Zealand 18-21 Australia
Tutaia misses one and the Diamonds are on it like raptors, rushing right up the other end to go further ahead. Thwaites doing the damage for the Diamonds after coming on.
Constellation Cup: 2nd 6:15 remaining New Zealand 17-18 Australia
Another straight through the hoop from Tutaia - just what the Ferns needed with the game threatening to run away from them. She gets another to bring the game back to one.
Constellation Cup: 2nd 8:00 remaining New Zealand 15-18 Australia
The Diamonds juuuust starting to get ahead, showing a touch of class and experience in the crunch moments. The Ferns have seen enough - on comes Tutaia - and scores almost immediately. She’s fired up.
Constellation Cup: 2nd 10:00 remaining New Zealand 14-14 Australia
And in the blink of an eye the Diamonds are all square again., Bassett doing the damage. There is literally nothing in this, both sides going toe to toe.
Constellation Cup: 2nd 11:15 remaining New Zealand 14-12 Australia
An obstruction, eventually, leads to the Ferns opening the scoring for the quarter but they waste their next opportunity. Some tired hands out there. The crowd roaring the Diamonds on.
Constellation Cup: 2nd 13:20 remaining New Zealand 13-12 Australia
Off we go again. No changes from either team, and some solid defending at both ends means no goals in the opening few minutes. Tense stuff, no one giving anything away.
Constellation Cup: 1st 0:00 remaining New Zealand 13-12 Australia
Some quick hands from the Ferns gets them back in front, but the Diamonds hit right back to level things up. It looks like it’s going to stay that way going into the break but the Silver Ferns launch one last attack and edge themselves ahead. Breathless stuff.
Constellation Cup: 1st 1:30 remaining New Zealand 11-10 Australia
Well as we edge closer to the end of the quarter it’s been a topsy-turvy opening spell. Considering how it started off, Australia probably won’t be too disappointed to be a goal behind.
Constellation Cup: 1st 3:30 remaining New Zealand 9-9 Australia
The Silver Ferns get a much-needed goal back. The score looks pretty even but it’s been all Australia since that opening four-minute spell - the last few minutes the Silver Ferns have been competitive again.
Constellation Cup: 1st 6:10 remaining New Zealand 6-8 Australia
Well after that action-packed start from the Silver Ferns things seem to have evened out. The Diamonds hit back very quickly and now they’re nosing ahead.
Constellation Cup: 1st 8:30 remaining New Zealand 5-5 Australia
That’s better - two quick efforts and the Diamonds are right back in it. Frustrating for the Silver Ferns as another fumble robs them of the chance to hit back. Diamonds get another two quick ones and we’re all square.
Constellation Cup: 1st 10:30 remaining New Zealand 5-1 Australia
The Diamonds finally get on the scoreboard after that early blitz from the Silver Ferns - but it’s still the visitors making all the early running. The Diamonds need to wrestle back momentum.
Constellation Cup: 1st 12:40 remaining New Zealand 3-0 Australia
And away we go. A couple of early fumbles but the Silver Ferns settle and get the first goal. It seems to calm their nerves and it’s one-way traffic early doors.
Netball
Looks like a great crowd in Sydney, especially for a dead rubber. Not long to go now. Anthems ahoy.
Cricket
While we’re waiting for the netball, there is some rare good news for Australian cricket on the injury front ahead of next month’s Ashes, with Mitchell Starc declaring himself “pretty happy” two matches into his return from a long-term layoff.
The fast bowler returned figures of 3-48 playing for NSW in their six-wicket one-day cup win over Queensland on Friday, dismissing three top-order batsman in the process, including Usman Khawaja and Joe Burns.
The tall left-armer said there was noticeable improvement in the week since his first match against South Australia, where he produced figures of 1-55. “I was a bit rusty (in the first game),” Starc said. “I was much better with the new ball (this time), and the execution was a lot better with the old ball. The last over probably got the better of me, but besides that I’m pretty happy with where it is all going.”
AAP
Diamond time. #ConstellationCup pic.twitter.com/dNOa53JDs7
— Eric George (@ericpaulgeorge) October 14, 2017
Netball
Starting line-ups for today. No Tutaia for the Silver Ferns - although no doubt she’ll make an impact when she does come on.
Silver Ferns
WD: K.Cullen
GD: K.Grant
GK: T.Fakahokotau
GS: TP.Selby-Rickit
GA: B.Mes
WA: S.Francois
C: S.Sinclair
Diamonds
WD: G.Simpson
GD: J.Weston
GK: C.Bruce
GS: C.Bassett
GA: S.Wood
WA: L.Watson
C: K.Ravaillion
Updated
Preamble
Afternoon everyone, and thanks for joining me for this afternoon’s blogathon. I’ll be welded to my seat for the next eight hours, tapping away on my laptop to keep you up to date on all today’s sporting action - from the netball Test in Sydney to the A-League’s Melbourne derby. And quicker than you can say ‘impressive bladder control’ the first of this afternoon’s matches is almost upon us, so let’s get cracking with the rundown.
Netball
Kicking things off we have the Australian Diamonds searching for a 4-0 series clean sweep against New Zealand in the Constellation Cup at Qudos Bank Arena. Any doubts there may have been about the Diamonds following their defeat to the Silver Ferns at the Quad Cup in September have been emphatically dispelled in this series, with Wednesday’s 55-43 win in Adelaide giving them an unassailable 3-0 lead and rubberstamping their credentials as the world’s top team. That victory was led by captain Caitlin Bassett, but it’s the team’s lesser stars who will be in the spotlight today with one eye already on the Commonwealth Games. Coach Lisa Alexander hinted in midweek that this match could provide players with a chance to stake their claim for the squad – and with the Diamonds hot favourites to take gold, that’s a plane ride no one will want to miss. The Diamonds didn’t have everything their own way on Wednesday though, and the Silver Ferns will look at their performance in the third quarter – which they won 15-8 – as a potential blueprint to stifle the hosts. A win for the visitors would provide a huge psychological boost if nothing else. A Constellation consolation, if you will.
Football
The fledgling A-League season continues later this afternoon with Western Sydney Wanderers taking on Central Coast Mariners at Spotless Stadium. I’m not usually one for early season predictions but the Mariners’ 5-1 opening day defeat to Newcastle seems just a tad ominous for Paul Okon’s men. Admittedly the scoreline was a bit harsh - but they gave the Jets enough opportunities and they’ll face more ruthless teams this season. The Mariners will be desperate for a more respectable display against a Wanderers side who haven’t missed a beat since Tony Popovic decided to “do one” just before the start of the season. Wanderers’ 2-1 victory over Perth in the season opener was well deserved and another win today would put caretaker boss Hayden Foxe in the box seat to take the reins on a full-time basis. And yes I did just deliberately squeeze in the phrase ‘fox in the box’ for my own amusement.
For tonight’s headline act, we have the Melbourne derby at Etihad Stadium. Both teams will have weary international stars back on deck but whether they’re fit for purpose (we’re looking at you Timmy) is another matter. Who knows, the enticing sniff of a derby clash might work like smelling salts for a few stiff-legged stars. Victory will still be smarting from last week’s 1-0 defeat to Sydney FC, and another loss so early in the season would be a big setback to Kevin Muscat’s premiership ambitions – both in terms of points, and psychologically. Conversely, City kicked off the season with a kapow from Kamau in the A-League curtain raiser against Brisbane Roar and back-to-back wins would get people talking up their silverware chances after going under the radar for much of pre-season. They may not have the usual host of big-name stars to match their moneybags but if Warren Joyce can gel this team together, they could provide a serious title threat.
Updated
Richard will be here shortly. In the meantime, here’s how the Diamonds secured the series in Adelaide on Wednesday:
Updated
