FAST5 Ferns to meet Australia in World Series final
October 30, 2016
The FAST5 Ferns qualified for the final of the Fast5 Netball World Series against Australia later on Sunday with impressive wins in their final two round-robin matches in Melbourne.
Following a comfortable 26-16 win over Jamaica, the inexperienced FAST5 Ferns produced an emphatic 52-27 result in their must-win clash against Malawi.
Having their most successful Fast5 Netball World Series to date, a win would have propelled Malawi into the final.
However, it was the FAST5 Ferns who came out blazing, influential captain Maria Tutaia revelling in the tailor-made shortened version of the game with a mercurial display.
The stylish Tutaia converted three successes from the three-point zone in the first quarter, setting the early tone for the FAST5 Ferns who opened up a handy lead.
Building across the tournament, the rookie FAST5 Ferns line-up were also ably served in the defensive end where Jane Watson, Phoenix Karaka and Kelly Jury continued to shine with their ability to deny Malawi opportunities.
Karaka showed her versatility with a couple of strong cameo stints in the midcourt.
Tutaia’s hot form showed its value in the all-important third quarter power play, the elegant shooter producing three sizzling double pointers from maximum range to help the FAST5 Ferns post the biggest score of the tournament.
With just the one loss it was enough to propel the New Zealanders into the final.
Australia, chasing their first Fast5 Netball World Series title, pipped the FAST5 Ferns 32-29 in round- robin play yesterday to remain the only unbeaten team.
Coming into this tournament with a young new-look line-up and just Tutaia with any Fast5 experience, the FAST5 Ferns have won the last three titles.
NZ-based fans can catch all the action from the Grand Final LIVE on SKY Sport NZ 2 from 9.25pm (NZT).
Following a comfortable 26-16 win over Jamaica, the inexperienced FAST5 Ferns produced an emphatic 52-27 result in their must-win clash against Malawi.
Having their most successful Fast5 Netball World Series to date, a win would have propelled Malawi into the final.
However, it was the FAST5 Ferns who came out blazing, influential captain Maria Tutaia revelling in the tailor-made shortened version of the game with a mercurial display.
The stylish Tutaia converted three successes from the three-point zone in the first quarter, setting the early tone for the FAST5 Ferns who opened up a handy lead.
Building across the tournament, the rookie FAST5 Ferns line-up were also ably served in the defensive end where Jane Watson, Phoenix Karaka and Kelly Jury continued to shine with their ability to deny Malawi opportunities.
Karaka showed her versatility with a couple of strong cameo stints in the midcourt.
Tutaia’s hot form showed its value in the all-important third quarter power play, the elegant shooter producing three sizzling double pointers from maximum range to help the FAST5 Ferns post the biggest score of the tournament.
With just the one loss it was enough to propel the New Zealanders into the final.
Australia, chasing their first Fast5 Netball World Series title, pipped the FAST5 Ferns 32-29 in round- robin play yesterday to remain the only unbeaten team.
Coming into this tournament with a young new-look line-up and just Tutaia with any Fast5 experience, the FAST5 Ferns have won the last three titles.
NZ-based fans can catch all the action from the Grand Final LIVE on SKY Sport NZ 2 from 9.25pm (NZT).