Auckland Diamonds were a former New Zealand netball team based in Waitakere City, Auckland Region. As a result, they were also known as Auckland Waitakere Diamonds. Between 1998 and 2007, Diamonds played in the Coca-Cola Cup/National Bank Cup league. Diamonds finished as semi-finalists on four occasions – 1998, 1999, 2005 and 2007. Ahead of the 2008 season, Diamonds merged with Northern Force to form the new ANZ Championship team, Northern Mystics.
History Founding members In 1998, together with, Bay of Plenty Magic, Capital Shakers, Canterbury Flames, Counties Manukau Cometz, Northern Force, Otago Rebels, Southern Sting, Waikato Wildcats and Western Flyers, Diamonds, were founding members of the Coca-Cola Cup/National Bank Cup league. Together with Cometz and Force, Diamonds were one of three teams from the Auckland Region to play in the league. Due to poor ticket sales, the three teams faced early suggestions that they should merge. Diamonds enjoyed a local rivalry with Cometz. In the six seasons the teams played against each other, Diamonds won four and Cometz won two.
Semi-finalists Diamonds finished as semi-finalists on four occasions – 1998, 1999, 2005 and 2007. In 1998 they were defeated in the semis by the inaugural champions, Otago Rebels. In 2005 they lost out to Southern Sting.
Merger Ahead of the 2008 season, Diamonds merged with Northern Force to form the new ANZ Championship team, Northern Mystics.
Home venues Between 2004 and 2007, Diamonds played the majority of their home matches at Waitakere's Trusts Stadium. They previously played home matches at Kohimarama's ASB Stadium.
Stats Season Position Won Drawn Lost19984th 19994th 20006th 20017th 20026th 20035th 20045th 20054th 20065th 20074th503?
Notable former players Internationals
Victoria Edward Temepara George Paula Griffin Carron Jerram Leonie Leaver Jenny-May Coffin Jo Morrison Grace Rasmussen Anna Rowberry Anna Scarlett Lorna Suafoa Jodi Te Huna Maria Tutaia Louisa Wall
Rachel Rasmussen
Kathryn Harby-Williams
Jo Morrison
Susan Tagicakibau
Elaine Davis
Rachel Rasmussen Lorna Suafoa
ANZ Championship players Rawinia Everitt Brigette Tapene
Captains YearsAnna Rowberryc. 2001–2005Victoria Edward2006 Stephanie Bond2007
Coaches Head coaches Coach Years Georgie Salter2001–2002 Joan Hodson2002–2004 Sue Hawkins2004–2007
Main sponsors Sponsors SeasonsSkyCityc.2000The Trusts20xx–2007
References