Bendigo's Caitlin Thwaites and the Australian Diamonds launched their Netball World Cup title defence with an impressive 64-goal win over Northern Ireland.
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The defending World Cup team then backed it up with a strong 36-goal win over Zimbabwe.
In the first match against Northern Ireland the Diamonds took firm control over the game leading and outscoring their opponents at each quarter.
- Q1: AUS 24 v NIR 7
- Q2: AUS 21 v NIR 8
- Q3: AUS 22 v NIR 4
- Q4: AUS 21 v NIR 5
- Final scores: AUS 88 over NIR 24
Thwaites fired 25 goals from 26 attempts at 96 per cent accuracy in her two quarters on the court during the second half of the match.
Player of the match was awarded to Kelsey Browne (AUS).
The Diamonds' strong form continued in the second round match against Zimbabwe.
Once again the Australians led at each quarter.
- Q1: AUS 18 v ZWE 9
- Q2: AUS 21 v ZWE 9
- Q3: AUS 15 v ZWE 13
- Q4 AUS 19 v ZWE 6
- Final scores: AUS 73 over ZWE 37
Bendigo's Thwaites did not take to the court for the match, but her fellow goalers Caitlin Basset (c) fired 49 from 53 at 93 per cent accuracy and Gretel Tippett with 24 from 28 at 86 per cent.
Basset (AUS) was also named as player of the match.
The Diamonds next match will against Sri Lanka tonight at 11.45pm AEST.
Read more on the Bendigo Advertiser's local netball coverage here:
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