Source : ABC NEWS
Diamonds coach Stacey Marinkovich is not worried about her team’s soft lead-up to the Commonwealth Games despite encountering little resistance in yet another crushing win over Jamaica.
Just three days after defeating Jamaica 72-41 in Adelaide, the Diamonds put in another ruthless display in Perth on Sunday on the way to a 73-41 victory.
It gave Australia an unassailable 2-0 lead heading into the series finale in Melbourne on Wednesday.
The world number three Sunshine Girls were without star shooters Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard (pregnancy) and Romelda Aiken-George among other stalwarts, meaning they were simply no match for the number one ranked Diamonds.
Jamaica’s goals from centre passes sat at only 53 per cent on Sunday, while it committed 32 general play turnovers compared with 17 by Australia.
The three-match series is the last international preparation for the Diamonds ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow starting in July, but Marinkovich is not worried.
“As much as you want the big guns out there, I think we’re getting a lot of learnings,” Marinkovich said.
“The situation of the players with injury and pregnancy — it’s very exciting for Jhaniele.
“You always want to have the best competition, but I don’t think that scoreboard really reflects what’s actually happening out on the court. I think Jamaica is bringing their style of play.
“[For us] to get that margin and the rotations is a bit of a bonus.”
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Marinkovich again used all 12 players, and there were plenty of stand-outs.
Sophie Garbin nailed 29 goals from 32 attempts, while Cara Koenen (21 goals) and Kiera Austin (16 goals, seven assists, three gains) were also lively in attack.
Garbin copped an elbow from Kadie-Ann Dehaney at one stage as the match turned physical.
Kate Moloney tallied four gains and two intercepts in her 50-game milestone, while wing attack Georgie Horjus was named player of the match for her 18 goal assists and 33 feeds.
The Diamonds led 20-8 at quarter-time, and although Jamaica battled hard in the second and third terms the damage was already done.
Australia took things up a notch in a 19-8 final-term romp, giving it plenty of momentum heading into Wednesday’s series finale in Melbourne.
AAP
