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BENDIGO’S Caitlin Thwaites has helped the Australian Diamonds put the New Zealand Silver Ferns to the sword in the opening game of the Constellation Cup series in Brisbane.
Thwaites shot 21 second-half goals at 100 per cent accuracy as the Diamonds defeated the Silver Ferns 57-42.
After the Diamonds led 24-16 at half time, Diamonds coach Lisa Alexander introduced Thwaites and Gretel Tippett into the goal circle.
They took over from Caitlin Bassett (17/21) and Steph Wood (7/11) and looked every bit as good as the starters.
Despite having rarely played together as a combination, Thwaites, who has signed with Melbourne Vixens for the 2019 Suncorp Super Netball season, and Tippett (12 from 12) blew New Zealand off the court.
The win continued the Diamonds recent stranglehold over the Silver Ferns and followed their win in the Quad Series against New Zealand, England and South Africa.
The series moves to Townsville on Wednesday, with the final two games to be played in New Zealand.
