13 Jun 2011

Diamonds coach happy depite loss

6:03 am on 13 June 2011

Australia might have lost the second netball Test to New Zealand, but coach Norma Plummer regards the performance as a victory in many departments.

After taking out the first Test by five goals on Thursday night, the Australians fell to the Silver Ferns 45-42 in a fierce contest on Sunday in front of more than 8000 fans at Vector Arena in Auckland.

The next time the top-ranked teams could meet is at the netball world championship in Singapore next month when Australia will defend their title.

Plummer conceded before the match she was still trying to settle on her strongest line-up and gave several new players their chance in Auckland, and the Australian coach says despite the loss she is now confident she has the best possible side for next month's world champs in Singapore.