RESULTS
England defeated New Zealand 54 – 45
South Africa defeated Barbados 85 – 25
Northern Ireland defeated Fiji 73 – 46
Uganda defeated Scotland 57 – 37
Malawi defeated Wales 68 – 53
Australia defeated Jamaica 72 – 51
New Zealand again made history for all the wrong reasons – losing to England for the first time in a major tournament. The Roses’ nine goal win left the Silver Ferns with a nervous wait to see whether Uganda would knock them out of medal contention. They snuck through to the semi-finals courtesy of a superior goal differential, and now face Australia in the semi finals. England started nervously, but built into the game, on the back of a vintage performance from Geva Mentor. (match report on Netball Scoop).
Australia demolished Jamaica with a 21 goal win, a margin that few were expecting. The Jamaicans struggled to find their towering goal shooter due to suffocating through court defence from Australia. The balanced timing and creativity of the Australian twelve, plus a shooting accuracy rate of 95%, saw them take a hard fought but convincing victory. (match report on Netball Scoop)
Northern Ireland v Fiji match report here
Uganda v Scotland match report here
Malawi v Wales match report here
Pettitt sneaks through. Photo: Marcela Massey
INJURY UPDATE
Precious Mthembu (RSA) has ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament plus other surrounding structures. She will require surgery and a long stint of rehabilitation. Netball Scoop would like to wish her all the best for her recovery
NEWS
Who was in the house? Prince Edward was in attendance today to watch the English team triumph today. Usain Bolt was rumoured to be watching the Jamaican team, but none of our eagle-eyed team spotted him.
In a recent trip back to England, captain Ama Agbeze starting chatting to a passenger on a plane. By the end of the trip the passenger – Geraldine (Geri) Powell – offered to crochet each of the team a mascot. Ama supplied a photo and potted biography for the players, and in return they received a personalised dolly. The dolly’s have made the long trip down under, and have been seen out and about enjoying the Commonwealth Games.
Serena Guthrie’s Instagram feed.
NETBALLERS AS OTHER ATHLETES
Netballers as gymnasts. Photo: Marcela Massey
Netballers as gymnasts. Photo: Simon Leonard
WHAT WAS SHE SAYING
What’s up, Sam? Photo: Simon Leonard
THE PAIN AND THE PLEASURE
After New Zealand were defeated by England, television commentator Jenny-May Clarkson questioned the side’s pride in wearing the black dress, causing a massive controversy. Based on these emotional photos taken after full-time, there’s little doubt the loss hurt badly. England were quietly ecstatic as they celebrated their first ever win over the Silver Ferns at a Commonwealth Games.
Maria Folau. Photo: Simon Leonard
Katrina Grant. Photo: Simon Leonard
Katrina Grant ponders the loss. Photo: Simon Leonard
Shattered! Photo: Simon Leonard
Housby and Gibson. Photo: Simon Leonard
The Roses. Photo: Simon Leonard.
Mentor is all smiles. Photo: Simon Leonard
Guthrie was influential. Photo: Simon Leonard
A beaming Harten. Photo: Simon Leonard
Housby is pumped. Photo: Simon Leonard.
England fan as I am – we have beaten New Zealand in a major tournament before. Ok, it was 1975 but the World Champs is a major tournament. This is the first Commonwealth Games win. Call me a pedant but it is the truth even if it was a long time between drinks.