Amellia Wood for Commonwealth Games Australia
The Diamonds dominant start to Birmingham 2022 continues against Scotland today.
The Australian Diamonds have echoed their Birmingham 2022 dominance into day two with a 53-goal victory over Scotland.
There was a pep in the entire team’s step after their decisive campaign-start yesterday. Smiles beamed as a sense of sisterhood stepped out on court.
Paige Hadley made her Commonwealth Games debut in center against Scotland captain, Claire Maxwell, who returned to the court in her first international match since giving birth last year.
A consistent first quarter line up saw Hadley, Gretel Bueta, Kiera Austin, Ash Brazill, Sunday Aryang and Sarah Klau land spots in the starting seven.
pScotland’s movement in their circle kept our Aussie defenders on their toes, however the defensive duo of Aryang and Klau quickly shut their attack options down.
After shooting at 92% in her debut, Bueta came out with the intent to back that up and shoot 11 goals from 12 opportunities in the first quarter. Every time her hand went in the air, everyone knew exactly where that ball was headed.
The team entered the second quarter seven goals ahead, 17-10. Watson and Hadley’s interchange in wing attack allowed the Diamonds’ attack end to keep surprising their Scottish opponents.
Despite Scotland’s relentless energy, Australia were seemingly in their kitchen, forcing held balls and high-pressure turnovers.
Ash Brazill showcased her signature behind the back intercept and flick, adding some enticing flare to the team’s performance.
A 19-goal half time lead was extended to 33 goals heading into the final 15 minutes of the match, the Aussies’ speed truly unmatched.
Austin was turned on between goals to defence, while Sarah Klau and Courtney Bruce’s touches to the ball were elite.
Steph Wood was brought on for the last quarter to force a turnover and goal conversion within the first 45 seconds of the quarter (whilst demonstrating a bit of one, two step fancy footwork we must add)!
The Diamonds concluded the match with a brilliant Bruce turnover and 53-goal win, 83-30 the final score.
Bruce pinpointed where felt today’s Diamonds success came from.
“I think just the connections between our attack end and our defensive,” she said. “We’re hitting our hardest at both ends and get the ball across.”
Despite only playing the second half, goaler Cara Koenen shined as the team’s highest scorer with 36 scoring shots. Both her and Bueta achieved an impressive 97% shooting accuracy.
Every Diamond has now seen time on court across the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. With no scheduled match for Australia tomorrow, the anticipation builds to see which combinations head coach Stacey Marinkovich settles on for Monday’s game against South Africa.
