The Australian Kelpies wrapped up the final test of the Trans Tasman Cup series defeating the New Zealand Net Blacks 71-39 in Melbourne.
The unbeaten high-scoring Kelpies piled up another big total in the fourth game with stunning shooting from their targets Jerome Gillbard and Liam Killey.
The polished Kelpies made it four wins from four games across the series, but the Net Blacks walked away with their best attacking outing of the series to nearly hit 40 goals.
Scrapping to match their classy opponents the New Zealand men mustered the skill and confidence to hurl in the occasional pinpoint long feed.
Tall 1.94m Net Blacks shooter Mikaira Raerino and industrious goal attack Elliot Clark found their feet in a productive first quarter.
Midcourter Te Matahiapo Hynes fired the ball into Raerino who slotted his trademark high shots. Net Blacks captain Kruze Tangira provided stability at centre as New Zealand accurately worked the ball to wait for the desired opening.
New Zealand defender Timmy Apisai was handed the considerable challenge of marking world class playmaker Brodie Roberts and later Gillbard. He was backed up by Joseph Tukaki to set the tone for New Zealand’s defence.
Ruthless in attack, the Australian midcourters led by captain Liam Forcadilla demonstrated their smooth links and flat passing from the opening whistle.
World-class Australian shooter Brodie Roberts’ was an elusive playmaker at goal attack. His speed challenged the New Zealand defenders towards the end of the first quarter as Australia pulled out to a 17-12 lead.
The Kelpies moved up a gear in the second stanza to quickly pull out to a 10-goal lead as they snaffled up any loose ball. Gillbard moved out to goal attack allowing Liam Killey to shine at goal shoot.
After losing the second quarter by eight goals the Net Blacks trailed 33-20 at halftime.
With changes to the playing line-up the Kelpies maintained their impeccable form in the third quarter to hit the 50-goal mark.
In the final quarter the Net Blacks shooting duo of Clark and Raerino showed deft touches despite the pressure applied by the smothering Kelpies defence.
The series also offered plenty of emotion for the fans with players on both sides of the ledger revelling in passionate national anthems. While it was an emotional swansong for Australian goal shoot Jerome Gillbard in his last game on the international stage.