‘We showed them who we are,’ said the England captain Serena Guthrie after a late rally led to a 48-48 draw with Australia before they play each other again in the final
“It’s probably my proudest moment,” said the captain Serena Guthrie after England came from behind to tie their third Quad Series game 48-48 with the world No 1 team, Australia, before playing them again in the final on Wednesday. “We showed them who we are,” she added.
Two minutes, 32 seconds was the time it took for the first goal of the game to sink. As the ball jerked its way down the court every inch was contested as the teams, having not met in two years, got the measure of each other’s will. Looking a markedly different side with Eleanor Cardwell moved into goal attack, the position shifts sparked initial joy for the Roses who doggedly clawed back the five-goal deficit hanging over their heads. But an unrelenting and hungry Australia quickly adapted, pushing the score back to 19-23 at half-time.The substitutions continued throughout the game, revealing that a second, poker-like game was also going on.
“To believe anything is possible you need some evidence,” said Thirlby. “I think we’re starting to build a really nice collection of evidence that we’re not beaten by any team, and we’ve got a place around the table.”