AUSTRALIAN coach Lisa Alexander was not happy with her team’s performance but could not have given the support received and stadium in Launceston on Wednesday night higher praise.
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Arch-rivals New Zealand defeated the Diamonds by two goals in their Constellation Cup fixture at the Silverdome in front of more than 3000 fans.
It was a tense battle that saw many lead changes throughout the four quarters.
“It was a wonderful stadium,” Alexander told media post-match.
“The floor was exquisite we don’t always get a great floor to play on, I know that sounds a bit weird but it was just beautiful, the stadium looked beautiful and the crowd I think really got into the game.
“Unfortunately I think they were a bit quiet to start with because they were probably a bit tense and when I can hear myself that’s always a concern.
“But then they started to get into it, particularly when we made that run, we were five down and came back in.”
It was the first Test held in Tasmania for 27 years and Australia’s first loss in four matches.
The four-match series is level at one win apiece with two Tests to come in Auckland and Invercargill.
Silver Ferns coach Janine Southby said the whole group deserved credit for the way they turned it around following a crushing loss in game one.
"We always believe we can do it and this is what we need to prove that and now we're looking forward to the next two games," Southby said.
Jokingly, Southby said she loved Launceston and that “we’ll be back, we’ll come back” following her first win over Australia as New Zealand coach.