In a stratospheric leap for the sport, men’s international netball beamed into homes around the country this evening from Auckland’s Spark Arena in the first men’s televised trans-Tasman match.
Fast-paced action interspersed with rugged physicality was a feature from the opening whistle in the engrossing Trans-Tasman Cup opener between the ascendant Australian men’s side and their underdog New Zealand counterparts.
The Australian men were extremely fast, creative and consistent for four quarters in pushing their advantage home for a spectacular 64-48 win. New Zealand in response were extremely skilled and determined, despite the scoreboard reflecting a well-deserved 16-goal victory for the visitors.
Australia won the last series 3-0 played four years ago in Adelaide, but this time New Zealand was pinning its hopes on super shooter 32-year-old Junior Levi. The 2.14m Levi, previously turned out wearing the green and gold strip, but the outstanding goal shoot was rightfully wearing the Silver Fern in tonight’s game.
From the opening bars of Advance Australia Fair the Australian men were focused and prepared for the challenge. New Zealand were quick out of the blocks, finding their target Levi with ease during the opening passages.
Speedy Australian goal attack Brodie Roberts sent an early warning sign with effective drives in the goal circle. Punishing along the baseline, the Aussie shooting duo of Jerome Gillbard and Roberts found plenty of pace and shot accurately.
New Zealand’s star defender, goal keep Dan Rich, claimed an impressive intercept with three deflections in the first quarter as New Zealand rallied back, to only find themselves down by five goals at the first break. Captain Kruze Tangira was handed the centre bib in the second stanza to haul in the deficit.
Turnovers and breaking calls blunted New Zealand’s hopes but Eriata Vercoe had some nice attacking drives while linking with Levi and goal attack Cameron Powell.
Australia’s clinical attack was spectacular to watch and hard to defend. Agile wing attack Riley Richardson showed stunning speed and vision, while centre Liam Forcadilla had a great outing.
Australia built a 10-goal buffer by midway through the second quarter. Dan Rich switched to goal defence in response to Australia’s attacking dominance, but it was Australia leading 31-22 at half-time.
Australian maintained their flawless teamwork and stunning skills despite New Zealand continuing to challenge in every aspect. Shooting changes in the Australian circle didn’t halt their progress as Lachlan Carter slotted in seamlessly.
Despite a credible effort from a talented New Zealand men’s side, pace and accuracy won the battle.
Fast-paced action interspersed with rugged physicality was a feature from the opening whistle in the engrossing Trans-Tasman Cup opener between the ascendant Australian men’s side and their underdog New Zealand counterparts.
The Australian men were extremely fast, creative and consistent for four quarters in pushing their advantage home for a spectacular 64-48 win. New Zealand in response were extremely skilled and determined, despite the scoreboard reflecting a well-deserved 16-goal victory for the visitors.
Australia won the last series 3-0 played four years ago in Adelaide, but this time New Zealand was pinning its hopes on super shooter 32-year-old Junior Levi. The 2.14m Levi, previously turned out wearing the green and gold strip, but the outstanding goal shoot was rightfully wearing the Silver Fern in tonight’s game.
From the opening bars of Advance Australia Fair the Australian men were focused and prepared for the challenge. New Zealand were quick out of the blocks, finding their target Levi with ease during the opening passages.
Speedy Australian goal attack Brodie Roberts sent an early warning sign with effective drives in the goal circle. Punishing along the baseline, the Aussie shooting duo of Jerome Gillbard and Roberts found plenty of pace and shot accurately.
New Zealand’s star defender, goal keep Dan Rich, claimed an impressive intercept with three deflections in the first quarter as New Zealand rallied back, to only find themselves down by five goals at the first break. Captain Kruze Tangira was handed the centre bib in the second stanza to haul in the deficit.
Turnovers and breaking calls blunted New Zealand’s hopes but Eriata Vercoe had some nice attacking drives while linking with Levi and goal attack Cameron Powell.
Australia’s clinical attack was spectacular to watch and hard to defend. Agile wing attack Riley Richardson showed stunning speed and vision, while centre Liam Forcadilla had a great outing.
Australia built a 10-goal buffer by midway through the second quarter. Dan Rich switched to goal defence in response to Australia’s attacking dominance, but it was Australia leading 31-22 at half-time.
Australian maintained their flawless teamwork and stunning skills despite New Zealand continuing to challenge in every aspect. Shooting changes in the Australian circle didn’t halt their progress as Lachlan Carter slotted in seamlessly.
Despite a credible effort from a talented New Zealand men’s side, pace and accuracy won the battle.