The Silver Ferns come back to stamp their mark in round three of the Taini Jamison trophy with a colossal 88 to 26 win over the Fiji Pearls at North Shore Events centre.
Silver Ferns defender Michaela Sokolich-Beatson a stand-out against Fiji in the Taini Jamison Trophy series Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2018 www.photosport.nz
With so much to prove in this match, the Silver Ferns were off to a good start at full strength with the return of Maria Folau and Kayla Cullen against the fast-paced Fiji Pearls.
The visitors made their presence known early drawing first blood but once the Silver Ferns found momentum, long striding passes through the mid-court resulted in their biggest quarter score of the series so far winning 21 to 9.
Youngster Michaela Sokolich-Beatson took to the court in defense to give captain Katrina Grant her first break of the series impressing with her first intercept and deflection in the black dress.
With the shooting end a little less than desireable on 79 percent, the home-side pull out to a commanding 25 goal lead 41 to 16 at half-time.
Shooter Bailey Mes and six foot two defender Kelly Jury start their evening in the second half in what looks like an attempt by coach Janine Southby to share court-time to build on historically struggling combinations.
In what turned into a 'messy' quarter, the New Zealand shooters disconnect with feeders was once again evident with Mes causing most turnovers for her side. Fiji continued to fade with no answers in attack with key shooter Afa Rusivakula absent from the match only managing six goals to the Ferns 21.
The Silver Ferns going into the last quarter leading 63 to 22, Grant returns this time in wing defence with Grace Kara entering the fold as well.
The Silver Ferns went about their business with Mes picking up her shooting percentage to 73, Ameliaranne Ekanasio stand out contributing to three times more attempts at goal than Fiji.
The Silver Ferns finishing and dominant quarter with a giant score of 25 to Fiji's 5.
The win sends the Silver Ferns into the Taini Jamison trophy final tomorrow against Jamaica after Malawi and Fiji play off bronze.
Jamaica remain the only undefeated side of the series so far.
- RNZ
