WINS FOR England and New Zealand on Day 8 of the 2015 Netball World Cup have set-up a tantalising semi-final at the Allphones Arena in Sydney tomorrow morning.
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Tracey Neville, the England head coach, says she will be giving her World Cup bronze medal to her mother after the team avenged their heartbreaking defeat in last summer’s Commonwealth Games by beating Jamaica 66-44 at Olympic Park in Sydney.
With the score at 43-37 going into the final quarter, New Zealand scored four out of the last five goals but time ran out on their comeback and Australia were crowned world champions for the third successive time.
In the third quarter Malawi narrowed the gap to three by trailing 39-42.
Australian goalkeep Laura Geitz is challenged by South Africa’s Lenize Potgieter during their Netball World Cup qualification round match.
That was of little consolation to the New Zealanders but the outcome was another reminder of how far this new-look team has come in a short time.
After 21 minutes, when England trailed by six goals, Guthrie was switched back to her regular position, Greenway introduced to wing attack, and captain Geva Mentor – as she was in Saturday’s pool win over Jamaica, having had arthroscopic surgery in late May – benched for Sonia Mkoloma.
“What’s most important is that we are aware of what we are doing, that we are playing the “England way” and that we are consistent with that when we step out on court tomorrow”.
It’s been a big 24 hours of celebrating for the Australian Diamonds. “I can’t wait to just watch these girls absolutely blossom in the next four years and win another World Cup”.
Alexander went back to basics with her team, who she said were collectively kicking themselves as they revisited the errors committed during a marked 60-minute departure from their trademark defensive pressure.
The third quarter saw a shuffle in the defence circle with Silver Ferns goals defender Katrina Grant replaced by Leana de Bruin.
For New Zealand, Sunday’s final was yet another heart-breaking moment in their recent history against rivals Australia.
“My dad was one of my number one fans and probably would have a thing to say if I’d bailed at this stage”, she told the BBC.
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“She’s an excellent player and I’m delighted to have had the opportunity to coach her”, she said.
