Netball test series decider on court tonight

September 25, 2024 BY Nathan Dole

Big contest: Imogen Allison of the Roses and Kate Moloney of the Diamonds compete for the ball during the Netball Test match between the Australian Diamonds and the England Roses at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney last Sunday. Photo: MARK EVANS/AAP IMAGE

THOUSANDS of netball fans will pack Bendigo’s Red Energy Arena for tonight’s (25/09) decider in the three-match netball Test series between Australia and England.

It’s a sell-out clash as the Diamonds take on the Roses from 7pm at the Marong Road stadium in West Bendigo.

The Diamonds have not played in Bendigo for more than a decade.

After opening the series with a 70-57 victory in Adelaide the Diamonds could not halt the Roses final-quarter charge to score a 61-59 win in last Sunday night’s match in Sydney.

It was just the third time England had beaten Australia across 31 Test matches between the countries in Australia.

Now the Roses are on the verge of a historic series triumph.

Any sporting contest which involves Australia and England ignites the passion of fans.

Netball is no exception.

The Test match in Bendigo in 2014 involved Bendigo’s own Caitlin Thwaites and Kerang’s Julie Corletto.

A multiple monthly finalist for her feats on the netball or volleyball court, Caitlin Thwaites was inducted to the Bendigo Sports Star of the Year Basil Ashman Hall of Fame in 2022.

Many legends across a wide range of sports feature in the Hall of Fame which is on display not far from the Red Energy Arena showcourt.

A dual Bendigo Sports Star of the Year winner, Sharelle McMahon from Bamawm was inducted to the Hall of Fame in 2009 along with golfing ace Ann Howe.

A brilliant goaler, McMahon was the first female to claim consecutive Sports Star of the Year titles for her outstanding play across 1998-99 and 1999-2000.

Tonight’s match starts at 7pm.