Summary
As first offerings go, Western United-Melbourne City was a contest to whet the appetite. For Western’s new fans to the A-League, even a loss won’t see them not come back for future derbies, such was the drama of the contest. And to think, next week they’ve got Victory.
Melbourne City deserving winners for their industry and guile, even after going down to ten men. Eric Mombaerts called for a response after their shock FFA Cup loss midweek - he certainly got that. And thanks to Jamie Maclaren’s double, the sky blues of Melbourne jump to second on the table.
Earlier, it was a comfortable three points for the reigning premiers Perth, away to Wellington. Not the quality on display from the hosts, but the irrepressible talent of Bruno Fornaroli and Diego Costa lighting up a cold, windy afternoon.
In Netball, good news for Australia’s Diamonds, who earned a modicum of revenge against their trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand, courtesy a seven-point win. It won’t salve all the hurt of losing the World Cup, but it will certainly help.
And big wins to the Australian men’s cricket team, the Heat, Thunder and Strikers in the WBBL, on another jam-packed Sportwatch.
Thanks for your company, as always!
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Full-time: Western United 1-2 Melbourne City
And there’s the whistle, and what a tale of redemption for the sky blue side of Melbourne! Thumped in the FFA Cup final midweek - more than worthy winners here today, but they had to do it the hard way after that big call to dismissal Harrison Delbridge. Jamie Maclaren the difference with a terrific brace - kudos Mombaerts, and credit City for chasing all three points.
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90 + 2 min: Western United bring out from the back, but they need to get moving. Pierias earns a freekick, and it’s a pretty decent area, just to the left of the box. Diamanti stands over it - can he pick someone out?
He does - it’s Berisha - and it flies past the post! A stooping header, but it’s just behind him. Imagine that.
90 min: Kone looks to release Appiah-Kubi, as the fourth official shows four minutes will be the added time.
Now City have dropped a little deeper - let’s hope they don’t invite their rivals back in, having worked so hard to regain the lead.
87 min: What a finish we have in store now! Durante loops forward for Western United, as Mark Rudan’s chargers contemplate their first ever loss, and in their first ever Melbourne derby to boot.
Goal! Western United 1-2 Melbourne City (Maclaren)
84 min: Still a good spirit to this game, as Western United look to lift themselves.
But it’s something from nothing! A long aimless ball over the top from Brillante finds Maclaren - Kurto hesitates momentarily and doesn’t come, and the Socceroos striker smashes it home first time.
He’d been bollocking teammates for a lack of service - you can’t blame him when he’s knocking home goals like that!
82 min: Maclaren one-on-one at the back with Gulum, who cynically pulls back the striker and earns a very deserved yellow card. Freekick for City - but it’s poorly turned over.
81 min: Atkinson with a snap shot, but it’s comfortable again from Kurto to save. It’s still City bursting forward with intent, as Metcalfe’s shot is blocked by some desperate last-line defence.
78 min: Brillante is penalised for a foul on Berisha. Another superb performance from the new City signing - he lost a tooth during the FFA Cup final midweek, but he appears to be showing no ill-effect with another all-action showing in the engine room.
75 min: Metcalfe with an opportunity, and he’s copped a bollocking from Jamie Maclaren! He did appear to dally, and the cutback never found the striker. Could that have been 2-1 to City?
To credit the ten-men team, they’re still making a lot of the running. Some sides would be shutting up shop and looking for the safety of one point.
72 min: The youngster Atkinson now trots on to replace Genreau. He did brilliantly on his first full start under Mombaerts, the talented midfielder - who of course got the assist for Maclaren’s opener.
And at the other end of the age scale, it’s Andrew Durante into the book for a professional foul to break up play.
68 min: So it’s ten-men City now looking to hang on. Can Western United now go and snatch all three points? It could turn into a disastrous week for the Manchester-City-backed operation, from FFA Cup final disaster to potentially big points dropped in the league.
Goal! Western United 1-1 Melbourne City (Berisha)
65 min: Berisha v Bouzanis (spicy) - and it’s the veteran goal-getter who thumps it home, as the ‘keeper goes the wrong way.
And in the blink of an eyelid this game has come alive. Poor old Eric Mombaerts - his team were looking reasonably sound - now they’re all at sea!
63 min: Here we go, here we go - Berisha goes to ground in the box, and Adam Kersey says penalty!
And we pause for a VAR assessment - and Kersey has come back to hand Harrison Delbridge a second yellow card, and thus a red!
The verdict is deliberate handball to deny a goalscoring opportunity - the big defender can’t believe it!
60 min: It’s Kone writhing and turning in the box - they’re starting to come into this more and more, Western United, as City are in danger of dropping a little deeper.
Oh my. It’s McDonald who butchers a golden chance! He’s sent through by Berisha, but he badly drags his shot wide. A horror finish from the vastly experienced former Socceroo!
56 min: Post! He only ever needs a sniff, and it’s Besart Berisha who clatters Dean Bouzanis’ post! That was a fiercely struck shot after a clever stop and swivel. Unfortunate for the all-time A-League topscorer. A fine effort.
52 min: Diamanti with another terrific ball, but it only just evades Pain. They’ve been working a little harder after the break, Western United, let’s see if it earns them dividends.
48 min: A fast release from Noone sents Wales on a scamper, but as per too often with the former Mariners, it comes to nought.
Meanwhile, Delbridge goes in the book for a rudimentary block on Diamanti. It was breaking play too, so no argument really.
A-League - second half!
45 min: And once more, unto the breach, as Western United look to step up the intensity a gear to match a finely-humming Melbourne City.
And there is of course more Rugby World Cup semi-final action from Japan tonight - with Wales v South Africa just around the corner. Luke McLaughlin is our eyes on the prize for that one, don’t miss a beat, here:
And a nice write up from our NZ correspondent Eleanor Ainge Roy on how people have been coming to terms with the All Black’s stunning exit. Well, and not well, is the quick precis around the country:
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Half-time: Western United 0-1 Melbourne City
And there’s the whistle. It’s first blood to the visitors, as the new kids on the block fail to hit back late on. City worthy leaders, having created a swag of half-chances, but only Maclaren’s sharp finish the difference. A fascinating 45 to come, you’d imagine, as this one opens up.
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45 min: Oh my - after 45 minutes more or less on the back foot, they’re almost level, Western United!
It’s an excellent set piece delivery from Diamanti - he finds McDonald for a free header just metres out, but he heads into the ground and the pace comes off the ball, and a relieved Bouzanis tips over! Big opportunity spurned.
44 min: Ooh - it’s another crucial interception from Kurto! Noone with a brilliant ball into the box, and the Pole throws himself at the feet of Wales to deny the youngster a fourth ever A-League goal. Superb keeping.
41 min: It’s a half-chance for Western as McDonald and Kone look to combine inside the box, but the former’s clever backheel doesn’t quite find the Greek international.
37 min: It’s an interesting conundrum for Mark Rudan - in his time with Phoenix last season there was criticism that his side could set up well to counterpunch, but struggled at times to chase a game when behind. Can his Western United charger show more purpose?
34 min: So, City finally land the knockout punch their general play has warranted - what can Western United muster now in response?
Goal! Western United 0-1 Melbourne City (Maclaren)
31 min: And that’s a fine effort from Genreau! It’s again saved by Kurto, but that was arrowing for the bottom corner.
And the youngster turns provider, with a clever ball in to Maclaren, but he still has a power of work to do. A brilliant turn and shot from the striker, he leaves a defender in his wake. A poweful finish, expertly taken by a striker in form.
29 min: So not exactly a lull, but an interesting patch to this contest. Both sides a little cagey, trying to carve chances without heavily overcommitting to attack.
Noone now curls in a fires an effort, but it’s again saved by Kurto. He’s been by far the busier of the two ‘keepers early on.
26 min: It’s a tricky corner and Ersum Gulum pops up at the far stick, but it’s blocked by a sea of sky blue bodies. Sorry, City blue.
Berisha now looks to make a nuisance of himself, forcing Good into, well, a not good clearance.
23 min: A fine double cameo from Genreau who tracks back to help out his skipper, Jamieson, before expertly bringing down a tricky lofted ball. Can he become the latest A-League star to emerge off the City production line?
Maclaren now looks to wriggle free inside the box, but Chapman sticks manfully to his job and prevents the shot.
20 min: It’s all very narrow from Western United, before Diamanti tries one from long range. You’d call it “ambitious” but when you have his talent, why not? It draws a deflection and earns the corner.
And it’s a header on target from Berisha! But straight at the ‘keeper Bouzanis.
18 min: Fine work from Kurto once again as he tips over a thumping drive from Griffiths! That’s better from the veteran midfielder, who’s looked a little rusty in the opening exchanges.
15 min: A first chance for Western United in attack, but it’s Scott Galloway who prevents Besart Berisha from scoring an against-the-run-of-play opener!
A clumsy challenge from Connor Pain then earns the ire of referee Adam Kersey. He follows Griffiths into the book.
12 min: Big chance! It was a sharp double save in the end from Kurto, but how did City not score there?! The Polish shot-stopper did well to intercept the first low ball across the face, it sat invitingly for either Wales or Genreau to lash home, but they both dallied, and the ‘keeper pounced gratefully on the ball first.
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9 min: Craig Noone with an early shot on target, but it’s comfortably handled by Kurto in the Western United goal. It’s City perhaps that have looked marginally brighter over the early exchanges, and here’s Wales looking to burst down the left, but it comes to little.
7 min: The first of those already trademark raking cross-field switches from Alessandro Diamante. What a class player, and character he appears to be. We’ve just seen the influence of Diego Castro in Wellington, can the veteran Italian prove the X-factor for this game?
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4 min: A fair noise early on from the Western United active supporters. A tough ask building a club from scratch in a “growth corridor”, but great to see these fans taking passionately to their new club.
And it’s an early yellow card to the hugely experienced Rostyn Griffiths, for a series of fouls already.
A-League Kick off!
1 min: And we’re underway in the inaugural Western United-Melbourne City derby. What will this clash provide?
Eep - and a final score from the T20 clash in Adelaide: Australia have won by 134 runs. Do not adjust your screens.
Geoff Lemon with the latest there:
To team news:
It’s an unchanged XI for Mark Rudan’s hugely experienced Western United:
The line-up is in for our clash with Melbourne City 👇#WUFC #WUNvMCY pic.twitter.com/FlRdPYFuF1
— Western United FC (@wufcofficial) October 27, 2019
One key change for City, as youngster Denis Genreau comes into the XI - no doubt there’s a few tired bodies after their midweek FFA Cup final loss.
Our team is in for today's clash in Geelong! #WUNvMCY pic.twitter.com/ddo6d7vyLS
— Melbourne City FC 🏙️ (@MelbourneCity) October 27, 2019
But! To brighter A-League climes! We saw the magic of the Sydney derby yesterday - now for a new rivalry as new kids on the bloc Western United take on Melbourne City.
It’s the club without a stadium vs the club without a fanbase - who can land the first blow in the battle for Melbourne’s non-Victory fans?
Full-time: Wellington Phoenix 1-2 Perth Glory
Well, it was a cherry on an otherwise average pie. A service station cheesecake of a game, if you will. Phoenix with a little late consolation, but in truth, Perth never looked like losing that one after taking a 2-nil lead.
A first win of the season for the Glory, but it’s bottom of the ladder for the Phoenix - none from three, after two home games.
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Goal! Wellington Phoenix 1-2 Perth Glory (Davila)
90 + 3 min: Penalty! Hello, late drama! It’s Hooper who’s clattered into from behind by the fellow substitute, Djulbic.
And it’s Davila that steps up to take it.. and he drills it into the bottom right corner!
90 + 1 min: Four minutes added is the figure, but Perth will be more than happy to shuffle laterally and see this one out.
A first glimpse of Hooper on the turn, but he can’t fashion the opening, the storied sharpshooter.
89 min: A clock-slowing sub as the veteran Dino Djulbic comes on for Osama Malik.
Piscopo earns a corner for the Phoenix, but they take it short and nothing comes of it.
A frustrating watch for the Wellington faithful - the weather has been predictably abject, and the football from the home side, not much better.
86 min: It’s an animated Tony Popovic on the sideline - his side have enjoyed 20% possession over the past ten minutes - but in truth the Phoenix haven’t looked especially dangerous.
Reddy almost gets caught by Hooper! My, he doesn’t mind a risk with ball at feet, the veteran ‘keeper.
And now Ball pokes an effort wide! He went with the right boot, where was the left?!
83 min: Unselfish from Waine, who’s sent through by Hooper - but the youngster looks for the return ball when surely the shot was the option!
Davila does well to regain possession in midfield and he curls an effort goalwards on his non-preferred right foot - but it flies just high.
81 min: Ball fires a cross into the box, looking for Hooper, but it’s well kept out by Perth. They’re probing around the box, the Phoenix, but you’d have to say - there’s a lack of general quality about some of their buildup.
78 min: Castro and Kilkenny look to keep the ball in the corner, slowing the play, but it’s eventually turned over.
A break inn play as Juande stays down after a heavy coming-together with Louis Fenton.
75 min: And it is officially Hooper-time. The former Celtic and Norwich sharp shooter is stripped and prepped on the side line, awaiting his A-League debut. And the youngster Ben Waine comes on as well in an attacking double substitution for the Phoenix.
What can this much-vaunted striker bring to this clash?
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71 min: They’re starting to drop very deep, Perth, and it invites the pressure from the home side.
A rare foray upfield and it’s Marinovic forced into a save. While at the other end it’s the youngster Callum McCowatt who tests Reddy, who gets down well.
68 min: Big double chance! Alex Grant with a fine block to deny David Ball, before Liam Reddy gets behind a shot from the Mexican Ulises Davila. A great passage for Wellington - as the wind lifts, so does the intensity.
A goal here and the contest could really come to life. Meanwhile Popovic subs on a former Phoenix player, Jacob Tratt, to steady his defence.
WBBL: Thunder 123-8 lost to Heat 124-5 - Brisbane laboured to victory over Hobart, securing the 124th and winning run off the penultimate delivery of the match. Beth Mooney’s patient unbeaten 44 and Amelia Kerr’s more urgent unbeaten 28 proved decisive. All five Thunder bowlers took a wicket apiece.
Earlier on some late hitting pushed Hobart to a defendable total at Allan Border Field. The Hurricanes were 90-7 at one point but England’s Heather Knight steadied the ship with an unbeaten 61. Jess Jonassen once again starred with the ball, capturing 4-20.
The win lifts the Heat to third on the ladder, level on points with the Hurricanes.
65 min: Castro now pops up near his own corner flag, evading the interest of two would-be tacklers.
Piscopo fires in a terrific cross but Sotirio can’t connect cleanly with the header. He get’s a second chance off a subsequent ball, but under no pressure, he nods over! Big let off, Perth - a warning shot across the bows.
61 min: It’s looking very comfortable for Perth with Diego Castro starting to pull almost Harlem-Globetrotter-esque moves. Age really hasn’t slowed the mercurial Spaniard. What a jewel in the A-League he’s been in recent years.
Perth launch a fast counter, and it’s Chris Ikonomidis who almost picks out a teammate with the cross, but Neil Kilkenny can’t connect cleanly.
58 min: On comes Reno Piscopo for the Phoenix - this talented young Australian attacking midfielder. Can he spark something?
Fornaroli tests Marinovic again with a well-worked shot from the edge of the box. Hasn’t that been a battle today.
A reminder that we’ve cricket underway in Adelaide as well, where, well. It’s not looking great for the visitors Sri Lanka.
Halfway into their run chase they’re 49-4. A reminder, they were set 234 off Australia’s 20 overs. Yikes.
WBBL: Stars 141-5 lost to Thunder 142-6 - Melbourne Stars remain winless after four rounds following defeat to Sydney Thunder. Chasing 142 for victory Thunder got over the line with just two balls to spare. Rachel Priest and Alex Blackwell both hit 45, the latter unbeaten at the crease when it mattered most to earn player of the match honours. For the Stars Madeline Penna took 4/20 but it was to no avail.
Earlier, Elyse Villani and Lizelle Lee both struck 50s but the 39 balls faced by the other Stars yielded just two boundaries. All five Thunder bowlers each took one wicket.
Thunder’s three wins from four matches moves then joint-top of the WBBL ladder alongside Adelaide.
52 min: An early “finding out” period in the second half, as Rufer goes in the book for a blatant tugback on Diego Castro.
Phoenix then work into the box once more, but again it’s more intricate and incisive. They need somebody to take the game by the scruff of the neck in the final third - too many in yellow looking for an extra pass rather than a shot.
48 min: It was a torrid first 45 for the former-Glory youngster Walter Scott, in his first A-League start, but Nix coach Talay has shown faith in the youngster. No doubt given him some calming words at half-time.
A-League: Second half!
45 min: And we’re back in windy Wellington - no sign yet of the Phoenix’s big name signing who remains on the bench. Surely not long until Gary Hooper-time, especially if they’re still trailing.
Kia ora! A shoutout to our NZ-based readers who are no-doubt gripped to their phones scrolling for constant updates as to the inevitable Wellington Phoenix comeback (and in no ways about to slide into a double-funk, following yesterday’s remarkable Rugby World Cup upset).
Cheers JP - a gentleman and a blogger. There’s plenty going on around Australasia today in sport - what’s caught your eye? As always you can fire us an email or tweet to join the conversation.
Right, that’s it for me for the time being. The man on the keys from the next post onwards will be Richard Parkin. Thanks for your company.
A-League: HT: Wellington 0-2 Perth - It’s been even around the park but distinctly one-sided at the business end with Glory’s attacking prowess in contrast to Phoenix’s impotence. Perth have found the back of the net twice already but it could easily have been four or five. Marniovic made two superb saves and on the stroke of half-time it took a miraculous block from Fenton to deny Fornaroli his second. The Uruguayan has looked threatening up front but it’s Castro who has pulled the strings on the left and Ikonomidis who has stretched the game on the right. That said, perhaps the main talking point of the half was the decision not to dismiss Wüthrich for his grisly lunge from behind that received only a booking.
Cricket: Meanwhile, over at Adelaide Oval, Australia are humiliating Sri Lanka.
A-League: 38 mins: Wellington 0-2 Perth - Lovely interplay from Davila and McCowatt ends with the former dragging a left foot shot agonisingly wide of Liam Reddy’s goal. McCowatt is influential in a subsequent attack that breaks down on the edge of Glory’s box. Wellington have shown so much promise this season but their lack of cutting edge is hurting them time and again. The sooner Hooper is match-fit the better.
A-League: GOAL! (Ikonomidis) 33 mins: Wellington 0-2 Perth - Whenever Glory have attacked they’ve looked like creating chances and finally a second has gone in. Castro was once again the architect, biding his time before weighting a decisive pass behind the Phoenix defence. Franjic turned it into a better pass than a slower man may have, his cutback worked superbly by Fornaroli for Ikonomidis to drill home. Glory’s season is up and running.
A-League: 25 mins: Wellington 0-1 Perth - Yellow card to Wüthrich of Perth following an awful challenge from behind on halfway. VAR has checked and they have agreed with the referee. You’ve seen reds given for less, and you’ve seen serious injuries suffered in more innocuous tackles.
A-League: 22 mins: Wellington 0-1 Perth - Another thrilling save from Marinovic, pawing away a firm Fornaroli header that was travelling across his body. Despite Wellington’s composure in general play they have conceded three gilt edged chances now. The quality of Castro, Ikonomidis and Fornaroli in Glory’s forward line is coming to the fore.
Cricket: Oh boy, it’s all happening at Adelaide Oval. Glenn Maxwell has biffed an absurd 50, and David Warner has smacked a ton. Australia have finished their 20 overs on an eye-watering 233.
A-League: 16 mins: Wellington 0-1 Perth - Superb save from Marinovic but it should be 2-0 to Perth. Good work down the right from Ikonomidis creates space in the box on the opposite flank for Kim but the South Korean placed his curled right-foot effort close enough to the diving keeper for him to tip the ball behind for a corner.
Netball: Here’s your Constellation Cup match report...
A-League: GOAL! (Fornaroli) 11 mins: Wellington 0-1 Perth - Bruno Fornaroli has opened his account for Perth Glory. It was a very tidy dinked finish in traffic on the six-yard line but credit for the goal really has to go to Diego Castro who waltzed his way through the Nix defence down the left channel before squaring along the ground through a forest of legs to his Uruguayan teammate.
1️⃣ @BFornaroli is off the mark for @PerthGloryFC.
— Hyundai A-League (@ALeague) October 27, 2019
Fornaroli finished with aplomb after some great work from Diego Castro in the build-up.
🎥 @FOXFOOTBALL #ALeague #WELvPER pic.twitter.com/BBr8QDrIMe
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A-League: 10 mins: Wellington 0-0 Perth - It’s a nice open encounter in Wellington with both sides fashioning chances and attacking at pace. Castro saw an opening at one end before Ball’s heavy touch denied him a decent shooting chance at the other. Needless to say there’s plenty of wind wreaking havoc too.
A-League: 5 mins: Wellington 0-0 Perth - We’re underway at Westpac Stadium and it’s the home side making all the early running, much as they did against Sydney FC last week.
A-League: We’ll soon be training our attention on the sarcastically named distance derby between Wellington and Perth. Neither side has set the league alight in the opening couple of rounds, Glory well below the standards they set on their way to the premiership last season, and Phoenix unlucky to lose both their fixtures so far, especially last time out against Sydney FC.
Bring on the Distance Derby! 👊
— Perth Glory FC (@PerthGloryFC) October 27, 2019
Milestone man @Franjic5 marks his first appearance of the season in what is set to be his 200th @ALeague match 👏#OneGlory #WPXvPER pic.twitter.com/EF5sNoySV4
Glory are bolstered by the return of Ivan Franjic at right wingback in a starting XI that boasts an intimidating frontline of Castro, Fornaroli and Ikonomidis.
Here is your #Nix Starting XI and substitutes for tonight's #DistanceDerby!!
— Wellington Phoenix (@WgtnPhoenixFC) October 27, 2019
💛 @Wa11y____ makes his #Nix starting debut!
🤔 Who are you looking forward to seeing out there? I think we can guess...😜#StandUpWithYourNix #ERereTeKeo #WELvPER pic.twitter.com/DHxYkbLu9T
Ufuk Talay will be hoping for an immediate impact from star signing Gary Hooper who will makes his Nix debut today from the substitute’s bench.
WBBL: Thunder 123-8 v Heat (yet to bat) - Brisbane will be the happier of the two sides at the changeover despite some late hitting pushing Hobart to a defendable total at Allan Border Field. The Hurricanes were 90-7 at one point but England’s Heather Knight steadied the ship with an unbeaten 61. Jess Jonassen once again starred with the ball, capturing 4-20.
WBBL: Stars 141-5 v Thunder (yet to bat) - Melbourne Stars began the round at the bottom of the WBBL table but at the halfway point of their clash with Sydney Thunder their 141 has given them a fighting chance of earning points for the first time this year. Openers Elyse Villani and Lizelle Lee both struck 50s but the 39 balls faced by the other Stars yielded just two boundaries. All five Thunder bowlers each took one wicket.
WBBL: Strikers 116-3 beat Scorchers 115-9 - Adelaide moved top of the WBBL table earlier today after a straightforward victory over Perth at Allan Border Field in Brisbane.
Nicole Bolton’s 41 was the only score of note as the Scorchers struggled to 116 from their 20 overs. Sarah Coyte bagged three wickets, Suzie Bates two, while Megan Schutt conceded just 14 runs from her four overs.
The Strikers wrapped up their chase inside 15 overs, led by Tahlia McGrath’s unbeaten 65 from just 46 deliveries.
Rugby: While it might have been a rough night for the All Blacks in Japan, the reaction of their players, staff, and supporters has only reinforced how admirable New Zealand sporting culture is.
Baseball: We’re now tied at 2-2 in the World Series after the Astros thumped the Nationals in game four.
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Rugby: England stunned the rugby world with their World Cup semi-final demolition of the All Blacks and they’ve pulled another surprise with the emergency call-up of scrum-half Ben Spencer. The Saracens back is in line to make his World Cup debut in next week’s final.
F1: There’s some Formula 1 news to report with Max Verstappen losing his pole position at the Mexico GP after failing to slow down sufficiently when qualifying was under yellow flags.
Cricket: Turning our attention to other sports now, there’s our first look at the Australian men’s cricket side for the summer over at Adelaide Oval. Geoff Lemon is on the OBO tools as Aaron Finch and David Warner begin strongly against Sri Lanka.
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That has been a thrilling series to follow. Netball is a tremendous product at the moment.
Apologies for what might seem a cringeworthy term to use but I think it best sums up the combination of the quality of the sport, the presentation, accessibility, and the overall package. Super Netball was brilliant this season and the Constellation Cup was a belter.
THEY'VE DONE IT!
— 9Netball (@9Netball) October 27, 2019
WATCH: @Channel9#9Netball #ConstellationCup pic.twitter.com/HJdZWetf6Q
It was a victory secured in a dominant opening half and then clung on to in the face of a fierce New Zealand fightback. This has been a superb series, and it ends with two wins apiece, Australia keeping the trophy on goal percentage courtesy of their victory margins.
Australia 53-46 New Zealand
Australia retain the Constellation Cup!
Constellation Cup: Q4: 1 min rem: Australia 51-44 New Zealand - Courtney Bruce with a vital turnover with just over two minutes on the clock and in possession Australia take their time before feeding CBass to ice the game. Gretel Tippett then puts the cherry on the cake.
Constellation Cup: Q4: 3 mins rem: Australia 49-43 New Zealand - Time’s running out for the Silver Ferns but they are pushing hard.
Official crowd attendance of 13,233 today, setting a new crowd record for an international netball game in Western Australia, which stood at 12,365.
— Samsung Diamonds (@AussieDiamonds) October 27, 2019
AUS 45 v NZL 39#FeelTheRivalry
Constellation Cup: Q4: 5 mins rem: Australia 48-41 New Zealand - Just when the Silver Ferns were turning the screw a penalty is called against Folau and the Diamonds earn themselves some breathing space.
Constellation Cup: Q4: 7 mins rem: Australia 45-40 New Zealand - Turnover goal to New Zealand, the margin is the narrowest it has been since the opening quarter. What has happened to Australia in the second halves this series!?
Constellation Cup: Q4: 9 mins rem: Australia 44-38 New Zealand - New Zealand are now just six goals behind. Can they complete another heist?
Constellation Cup: Q4: 11 mins rem: Australia 43-35 New Zealand - The Silver Ferns are not giving up without a fight but with Bassett in the circle for the Diamonds they are keeping New Zealand at arm’s length. Another couple of goals and this could get nervy though...
Constellation Cup: 3QT: Australia 41-32 New Zealand - The Silver Ferns threw everything at the Diamonds that quarter, and they made Australia wobble. But a late fightback from the hosts steadied the ship and despite losing the quarter by four goals they retina a strong lead heading into the last 15 minutes of the series.
Ashleigh Brazill is on FIRE! 🔥
— 9Netball (@9Netball) October 27, 2019
WATCH: @Channel9#9Netball #ConstellationCup pic.twitter.com/Bkaqz52r9D
Constellation Cup: Q3: 7 mins rem: Australia 36-28 New Zealand - The Silver Ferns have come out firing since half-time and the Diamonds are under all sorts of pressure. The game has swung dramatically after that first-half procession.
Australia missed only two shots at goal all half with both Tippett and Bassett excelling. The general stats are reasonably even except for New Zealand conceding seven more turnovers than the Diamonds, a figure reflected in Australia enjoying greater possession.
Noeline Taurua will be absolutely FUMING!
— 9Netball (@9Netball) October 27, 2019
WATCH: @Channel9#9Netball #ConstellationCup pic.twitter.com/4yqYRZrFqU
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Constellation Cup: HT: Australia 31-18 New Zealand - A dominant half from Australia, led by the imperious Caitlin Bassett in her 100th appearance. There was a warning just before the interval though with the Silver Ferns enjoying their best couple of minutes of the match. The Diamonds have won just three of 12 second-half quarters in this series, but even with that form they can’t throw away such a massive lead... can they?
Half-way through the second quarter and it's an outstanding performance right across the court.
— Samsung Diamonds (@AussieDiamonds) October 27, 2019
It's now a 13-goal margin.
AUS 25 v NZL 12#FeelTheRivalry pic.twitter.com/NTUqvjl1gc
Constellation Cup: Q2: 7 mins rem: Australia 24-11 New Zealand - Australia continue to dominate in the circles, Tippett and Bassett in attack and Bruce and Weston in defence. The Nissan net points are Australia 104 v -31 New Zealand; this has been as one-sided as the Diamonds could have dreamed of.
Constellation Cup: Q2: 12 mins rem: Australia 21-8 New Zealand - The Diamonds are as sharp in possession as at any time this Constellation Cup - not my words, those of Cath Cox, who knows what she’s talking about. Australia’s lead continues to grow after quarter-time and they continue to be favoured by some helpful calls from the umpires, Maria Folau the latest to be penalised harshly.
Constellation Cup: QT: Australia 16-7 New Zealand - Just the start Lisa Alexander was looking for. Her Diamonds matched the Silver Ferns for intensity and beat them for composure - especially in the circles - to take a significant lead at quarter-time. Bassett and Tippett have been outstanding in attack while New Zealand, and especially Laura Langman, have been uncharacteristically sloppy in possession.
What a start by the Diamonds!
— 9Netball (@9Netball) October 27, 2019
WATCH: @Channel9#9Netball #ConstellationCup pic.twitter.com/YGTXIymKQw
Constellation Cup: Q1: 1 mins rem: Australia 14-7 New Zealand - The Diamonds fail to convert an attacking opportunity for the first time in the match but it matters little because a superb defensive interception snuffs out any danger on the counter. The Silver Ferns attackers are being punished severely for the slightest indiscretion and the penalty count has ended with Bailey Mes being hauled off after her surprise inclusion as GS.
Constellation Cup: Q1: 5 mins rem: Australia 10-6 New Zealand - It’s no place for the timid out there with whistles for contact blown every few seconds. The Diamonds remain potent in possession though and they’re building a handy early advantage.
Constellation Cup: Q1: 9 mins rem: Australia 8-3 New Zealand - It’s still frantic on court with both teams rushed in possession and forcing turnovers in defence. Caitlin Bassett has started superbly in her 100th for the Diamonds and her composure in the circle alongside Gretel Tippett is proving the early difference.
Constellation Cup: Q1: 13 mins rem: Australia 1-1 New Zealand - Sloppy start from both sides with penalties and turnovers aplenty in the opening couple of minutes. The atmosphere is electric in Perth and you can sense the players are aware of the significance of the match.
It’s anthem time in Perth, and they are two of the best a capella renditions you could ever wish to hear.
Preamble
Hello everybody and welcome to another bumper day of Australian sport.
Leading us off we have the conclusion of the Constellation Cup from Perth. Australia’s Diamonds trail New Zealand’s Silver Ferns 2-1 ahead of the final match in the series but the hosts will retain the cup on goal percentage if they can win at the RAC Arena. If Australia required any further motivation they have it in the announcement of Caitlin Thwaites’ retirement and the occasion marking Caitlin Bassett’s 100th international appearance. That one gets underway shortly after 1pm.
Following that our attention will shift to the WBBL with the Thunder taking on the Stars and the Heat hosting the Hurricanes. We’ll tune into those around 2.30pm.
From 4pm the A-League takes centre stage. We begin with the distance derby over in Wellington where the Phoenix welcome Perth Glory. Then from 6pm Western United experience their first Melbourne derby against neighbours City. Richard Parkin will be in charge of the blog by then.
In amongst all that there’s the MotoGP from Phillip Island, build-up to the Mexican F1 GP, Rugby World Cup news and reaction, and plenty more besides.
You can join in by contacting me on Twitter: @JPHowcroft, or by email: jonathan.howcroft.casual@theguardian.com. Or you can talk amongst yourselves in the comments section.
I hope here in Australia we can look at the contrast with our exit from the RU WC and that of our close brothers and sisters in NZ. Where honesty and integrity and humility from coach and players have characterised the response of their loss to the English in stark difference to the denial and churlishness from some of our coaching staff and team.