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Australia has scored a narrow win over South Africa to open netball's Quad Series in London overnight. The Diamonds won 54-50, helped by great shooting performances from Caitlin Thwaites and Gretel Tippett, neither of whom missed a goal in the first quarter. "The shooting was fantastic throughout the game," said Australian coach Lisa Alexander. "I was really pleased. The shooters played their role and put the ball through the ring, particularly Susan Pettitt who came on in the second half, she really controlled that end very well. She played very smart." South Africa led by one goal at halftime, but Alexander made some changes, introducing Kate Moloney straight after the break and Caitlin Bassett a bit later on in the third quarter. The Diamonds went up 39-38 at the last break and endured a see-sawing final quarter before finally putting the sword to South Africa in the final minutes to secure a hard-fought win. "Defenders were getting lots of turnover ball and as attackers we had to nail it," said midcourter Liz Watson. "I think it was the belief in the end amongst everybody that got us over the line," she said. The match was played as parft of a double-header, with England defeating New Zealand 64-57 in the other match. Australia plays England on Tuesday morning (AEDT) in the next match of the tournament, while South Africa meets New Zealand on Friday.
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