THE Australian Diamonds survived another fierce battle with New Zealand to remain in the race for the Constellation Cup after their win at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre last night.
Showing passion and spirit, the Diamonds thrived in the final-quarter to level the series 1-1 with the decider to be played at Melbourne's Hisense Arena on Sunday.
In a repeat of the Perth battle, the Diamonds struggled against the pressure in the early minutes and were punished with the Silver Ferns blasting to a 5-1 lead.
Silver Ferns goaler Maria Tutaia was again on target from long range with Cathrine Latu steady under the post.
But the massive difference for the Diamonds this game was the form of acting captain Cath Cox, replaced at half-time in Perth after struggling but on fire last night to nail all 11 attempts for the first quarter.
Her efforts were significant in enabling the Diamonds to gain composure and scramble to the lead after nine minutes. Queensland Firebirds goal keeper Laura Geitz was introduced into the game at quarter-time to replace Fuhrmann in a bid to quell the influence of Latu. The two teams traded goals in the second period with neither able to break free.
Although the Kiwi shooting percentages dipped, they held a one-goal lead at half-time. Twice the Kiwis led by four goals in the third period, only for the home side to fight back with Cox levelling the scores at three-quarter time.
Australia 51 (Catherine Cox 34, Natalie Medhurst 17) d New Zealand 44 (Cathrine Latu 27, Maria Tutaia 17) at Adelaide Entertainment Centre.
