In the opening Test in Newcastle, Donnell Wallam scored a lay-up goal in the final seconds to give the Australian Diamonds a thrilling 55-54 victory over England.
Eleanor Cardwell equalized for England in the penultimate minute, but Wallam clinched the victory with a spectacular goal before being mobbed by her teammates. She became the third Indigenous Australian woman to wear the green and gold and the first in more than two decades when she entered the game in the fourth quarter to a thunderous ovation.
After being in the spotlight in the lead-up for her objection to sponsors Hancock Prospecting and being accused by some when they terminated their $15 million deal, she calmed her nerves with an early goal and finished with eight goals on eight shots.
William told Kayo Sports that the “noise from the outside” in recent weeks had taken its toll. “I was relieved to finally get my time on court — it has been some of the most difficult weeks of my life,” said the Western Australian Noongar woman, age 28.
“To finally get out there and play in this dress was so fantastic, and it makes the past few weeks seem like a blur. I just hope that I now serve as a role model for the young girls and boys who are coming through.”
After the first quarter, the score was tied at 14 apiece between Australia and England, despite Australia’s great start. The Diamonds picked up 40 penalties compared to England’s 24 in the first half, which began to take a toll on them. However, the home team trailed by one point, 27-26, at halftime. The majority of the damage in the goal circle was caused by Cardwell, who will play for Adelaide Thunderbirds in the 2019 Super Netball season.
As they did in Sunday’s Constellation Cup victory, Australia dominated the third quarter to seize the lead for the first time, entering the fourth quarter with a 42-39 advantage.
Stacey Marinkovich, the coach of the Diamonds, continued to make substitutions, but England refused to leave Birmingham despite missing out on the medals at the Commonwealth Games. It appeared that extra time might be required, but a turnover by Kate Moloney returned the ball to Australia, and William secured the victory.
The second Test will be held in Sydney on Sunday, while the final match will be played in Brisbane on Thursday.
