Diamonds, England draw in Quad clash

Murray Wenzel | January 19, 2022

England have clawed back from a six-goal deficit to draw 48-48 with Australia a day before the sides clash again in the Quad Series final.

The Diamonds led at every change at London’s Copper Box Arena and appeared to have defied England’s late surge when they led by two goals with a minute to play.

But two turnovers and a missed shot hurt Stacey Marinkovich’s side, with England’s Helen Housby nailing the long-range shot on the final play to tie the game.

The teams were assured a finals date after both had beaten New Zealand and South Africa earlier in the week.

Australia led by three at quarter-time and four at the main break.

Sarah Klau helped them to a 5-0 intercept count at halftime with the Aussies seemingly having all the answers against the Roses, who had upset them to win the Commonwealth Games gold in 2018.

But their late stumble sets up an intriguing final against the hosts in what will be the Diamonds’ last game before a likely Commonwealth Games rematch in Birmingham later this year.

Australia captain Liz Watson played her 50th Test, the mid-courter rested against South Africa as she continues her comeback from foot surgery.