FAST5 Ferns suffer first loss at FAST5 Netball World Series
The FAST5 Ferns have suffered their first loss of the FAST5 Netball World Series with 45-26 defeat to Australia Fast5.
In the last match of the opening day at Wolfbrook Arena in Christchurch, the Ferns were slow out of the blocks and struggled to shut down the accurate Australian shooters in fast-flowing game.
Defender Kate Burley said they were aware of the danger of the Australian goal shooters but were unable to stem the run of goals in the opening quarter.
“They’re very good shooters and we knew that from previous games in the day and they’re very accurate in the two-point zone,” she said.
Burley said “collective” errors proved costly for the Ferns in a low-scoring second half from them where they netted just six points.
“We just need to look after each other, we know what style they play, it’s very man on so we need to do a little more work for each other to get free.”
But she said, with wins over Jamaica and Uganda, they had plenty of positives to take from the day.
“I think we’ve been amazing. I know we didn’t get the result we wanted but we’re actually feeling really positive and there’s so many good things to take away from that game.”
The two teams came into the last match of the day with two wins under their belts and the first quarter went goal for goal heading into the opening power play where Australia netted a crucial 12 points to lead 17-9 at quarter time.
Just two missed attempts at goal gave the Australian Fast5 team the edge early in the second quarter when the lead grew to 12 before the Ferns cut the difference to eight, trailing 20-28 heading into the main break.
They increased that buffer to 10 goals with one spell to play through their superior accuracy in the shooting circle, led by Lucy Austin.
Ferns’ shooter Maia Wilson led the charge in the fourth quarter while defender Erena Mikaere worked hard in the circle but were unable to eat into the deficit.
The FAST5 Ferns meet England and South Africa heading into the playoffs on day two.