The Test match was the first time Perth hosted the series since 2019, and in Netball WA’s Centenary year provided plenty of opportunity for celebration.
The weekend kicked off with an Origin Diamonds Coaching Clinic by Head Coach Stacey Marinkovich and Assistant Coach Nicole Richardson. Netball WA then hosted an Origin Diamonds Open Training Session and Community Clinic at Gold Netball Centre for fans to further interact with their hero’s.
Match day started with a VIP Centenary Function, celebrating the history of netball in the State that has led to its success today.
More than 150 people attended the function, including special guests from the 1971 World Tournament winning Australian team. The crowd, including Netball Australia Chair Liz Ellis AO, listened to tales from the pioneers of the sport about the evolution of the game.
Uniforms of the past were adorned by members of the team, including their bright yellow walk out suit that was accompanied by gloves and a handbag.
The Minister for Sport and Recreation, Hon. David Templeman MLA also spoke to the crowd for the final time before his retirement, after his ongoing support for netball and West Coast Fever.
RAC Arena was flooded with green and gold, a visual reminder of the State’s passion for netball. A huge 13,048 fans filled the Arena and kept the Diamonds going even when the Silver Ferns controlled the game.
The match had a highly competitive start with both sides even by quarter time. It was during the third quarter that Silver Ferns gained a lead that the Diamonds could not fight back from, with opposition shooter Grace Nweke’s 47 goals finalising their win.
The crowd was kept engaged during half time by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries ‘KidSport’ program who demonstrated their skills during a short match.
Whilst New Zealand have claimed victory, the final match of the Constellation Cup will be played at Melbourne’s John Cain Arena on Wednesday.
The result may not have gone in favour of the Origin Diamonds, but Netball WA’s ability to host an international match during its centenary year was a win for all netball fans in the State.
The Test match provided the opportunity for fans to watch some of the best netball players in the world and learn from the coaches and players during Community Clinics.
Netball WA would like to thank the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries for its support in bringing the Constellation Cup to Perth as part of our Centenary celebrations.
