The Origin Diamonds have gotten their 2022 international calendar off to a notable start, taking out the Netball Quad Series in London in the early hours of the morning.
The four biggest rivals in international netball, Australia, England, New Zealand and South Africa, played off against each other at London's Copper Box Arena from the 16-20 January.
GIANTS Jamie-Lee Price and Sophie Dwyer travelled with the Diamonds squad, while Captain Jo Harten was scheduled to represent her nation but sadly had to withdraw due to COVID-19.
The Diamonds hit the ground running in their opening match, defeating the New Zealand Silver Ferns 53-49.
There was no sign of rust at the Copper Box Arena at the start of a Commonwealth Games year among a team starved of international competition, having played only four times - all against NZ - in the last couple of years.
Match Report: Diamonds Take Game One in London
Match Highlights: Australia v New Zealand
They backed it up with a convincing 20-goal win over the South African Proteas, in a match they deemed as an up and down sort of performance.
The win also secured them a place in the 1 v 2 series play off.
Match Report: Diamonds Secure Hard-Fought Second Win in Quad Series
Match Highlights: Australia v South Africa
Match three was a thriller with the two teams inseparable at the final whistle.
The Diamonds led at every change at London's Copper Box Arena and appeared to have defied England's late surge when they led by two goals with a minute to play.
But two turnovers and a missed shot hurt Stacey Marinkovich's side, with England's Helen Housby nailing the long-range shot on the final play to tie the game.
Match Report: Game Three Draw Sets Up Blockbuster Final
Match Highlights: Australia v England
Just 24 hours later the two mets again to play off for the Quad Series trophy - one that has been in the hands of the Diamonds now six out of the seven times.
The match was tight and thrilling throughout, with the Diamonds trailing at every break, but several key gains late, a cutdown on turnovers after the halftime break and an incredible 97% shooting accuracy turned the tides and won the game.
The win was capped off by a breathtaking 18-5 final quarter, securing the Netball Quad Series trophy and making a statement in the last Test before July's Commonwealth Games.
Match Report: Quad Series Glory for Resilient Diamonds
Match Highlights: Final - Australia v England
Replays of all the Quad Series matches are available free and on demand via Kayo Freebies. Don't have Kayo? CLICK HERE to sign up.
