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Diamonds polish off England

Tourists slip to 2-0 series defeat Down Under

Last updated: 8th October 2008

Mkoloma: impressed in defeat

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Australia's Diamonds completed a 2-0 victory in the Holden Netball Test Series with a 43-33 win over England in the second match in Adelaide on Wednesday.

The Diamonds started to get on top in the early stages of the second quarter, opening a seven-goal lead.

England briefly rallied when Sonia Mkoloma and Geva Mentor used their height advantage to capitalise on the missed opportunities of the Diamonds shooters.

But England trailed 20-15 by half time and by the end of the third quarter the Diamonds had extended their advantage to 32-26.

"I was pleased with our defensive end and thought they had stepped up to make the Diamonds earn every goal," said England coach Sue Hawkins.

"What we take away from this series is that we must be tougher and stronger.

"Our game is about ball speed and letting it go and we need confidence about what we can do."

Despite the loss England's squad remain positive and will be boosted by the arrival of Pamela Cookey for the second leg of the tour in New Zealand.