Diamonds fend off NZ to claim cup AUSTRALIA underscored its vast improvement, holding off a fast-finishing New Zealand last night to defeat its arch-rivals by five goals in the fourth Test at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena. The 52-47 victory allowed the Diamonds to clinch the series and reclaim the Constellation Cup for the first time since 2011. The Australians lead the series 3-1, with just one Test to play in Canberra on Sunday. After leading by 10 goals at the final break, the Australians became sloppy in the mid-court and the Kiwis grabbed their chances. The New Zealanders found movement in their goal third and quickly cut the margin to three. It was the steady hand of team leaders and defenders Laura Geitz and Bianca Chatfield, who were able to stop the Kiwi roll. A late intercept by captain Geitz pushed the ball to wing defence Renae Hallinan, which allowed the Australians to score against the flow. The Australians then pushed the lead back out to five. After a tight opening quarter, the Diamonds used their fast ball movement to open up their own attacking circle. Australian shooters Caitlin Bassett and Natalie Medhurst again showed their enormous potential as a long-term pairing. Medhurst was awarded the most valuable player on the court for her impressive mid-court work and excellent passing into her shooting partner as well as 12 goals from 14 attempts. It was Medhurst, along with Kim Ravaillion at centre and Kimberlee Green at wing attack, who fed the ball cleanly to Bassett, who continues to live up to her potential and showed growing confidence to end the night with 40 goals from 44 attempts. The Silver Ferns started the match with a massive surprise, goal shooting legend Irene van Dyk on the bench and, surprisingly she did not take the court. Australia 52 New Zealand 47