The Australian Diamonds have defeated Jamaica ,53-51, in Kingston this morning. Led by captain Sharelle McMahon the Diamonds battled a physical Jamaica to eventually take a two goal win. The Diamonds will face the Sunshine Girls again tomorrow for the final Test of their 2009 international season.

 

To read the Jamaican Observer`s match report click here

 

To read The Age`s match report click here

 

Australian Diamonds shooting statistics

 

Susan Pratley 27/35 @ 77%

Sharelle McMahon 26/30 @ 86%

 

What Diamonds coach Norma Plummer said about the game ...

 

“It was a tough, physical encounter. From the first whistle they came at us with all guns blazing.”

“It was really probably anyone’s game but our discipline and how the players stuck to our game plan in the last quarter that got us over the line”

“I was happy with the way the players stood up as a lot of them haven’t played here and experienced the Jamaican way.”

 “It’s very physical and it certainly teaches you to stand up. You can’t back off for a second.”

“I’ll probably change up the team for tomorrow because I think we need some fresh legs out there. We might not run the same line up.”

 

Diamonds starting positions:

 

GS - Susan Pratley

GA - Sharelle McMahon (Captain)

WA - Kimberlee Green

C - Natalie von Bertouch (Vice Captain)

WD - Renae Hallinan

GD - Mo`onia Gerrard

GK - Susan Fuhrmann

Bianca Chatfield

Catherine Cox

Johannah Curran

Natalie Medhurst

Lauren Nourse

 

Quarter by quarter scores

 

Q1 – 16-17

Q2 – 30-28

Q3 – 39-39

Q4 – 53-51