A Close Game

A Close Game:

If the Silver Ferns were daunted by walking into the Sydney Acer Arena it didn't show in their performance.

The NZ netballers walked out into the darkened stadium to see thousands of flashing "diamond" necklaces. I thought this was sheer marketing genius to link the Australian Diamond Netball Team and their supporters to these flashing lights. the necklaces flashed brilliantly in the dark and the spectacle must have boosted the Australian team. As I cheered on "my team" my necklace remained snug in my handbag.

The new look uniform of the Silver Ferns with sparkling silver strips looked stunning.

Captain, Casey Williams led and played outstandingly well the whole game, limiting the Australian shooter Catherine Cox's success rate. She was replaced at half time.

It was great to again be at a live netball match, even though I was surrounded by cheering supporters in green and gold. However, a few minutes after the whistle blew to start the game, the crowd was almost silenced as we reaced to a 5:0 lead. The crowd booed every time the referee called against the Australian team. I confess I really don't like this trend.

Approximately 11,000 watched NZ win 53:50 and I'm a very happy supporter. I'm also glad the two Cambridge ladies dressed in Waikato colours who flew over especially to see the game got to see "our team" win.

Photos: outside the Acer Arena - Diamond flags flying

Casey Williams in the old team uniform