Australia cruised to a 24-goal win over England in their international netball quad series opener in Adelaide on Sunday.
With goal shooter Caitlin Bassett on fire in the first half and Susan Pratley continuing her good work after the main break, the Diamonds stormed home to win 64-40 after leading by just two goals at quarter-time.
Bassett scored 19 goals from 20 attempts, including a perfect 10 from 10 in the second quarter while for England goal shooter Jo Harten proved more than a handful for the local defence.
The Australians started nervously with some costly turnovers keeping England in the hunt before a fine second term from Harten had the visitors level at 22-22 about three minutes before half-time.
But then the Diamonds went on a 5-0 streak to lead 27-22 at halftime in a spell that seemed to break England's spirit.
In the second half Catherine Cox subbed in for Bassett and Pratley replaced Erin Bell as Australia showed their depth and turned up the heat to take a 14-goal lead lead into the final quarter.
In the final term Pratley proved almost unstoppable at goal attack, finding space with ease, Australia's intensity snuffing out any hopes of an England revival.
NZN
