Diamonds back on winners list

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By Aimee Dawson

 

The Australian Diamonds are back on the winner’s list at the Netball World Cup in Sydney, defeating world number three, England in their first qualifying round match.

After suffering a preliminary round shock loss to rivals, the New Zealand Silver Ferns, Australia bounced back to lead at every break and defeat England, 51 – 41.

Australia’s defence was firing early, however the home team were unable to convert, losing the ball in the attacking third.

Luckily for the Diamonds, the defensive duo of Laura Geitz and Julie Corletto were able to turnover enough ball to give Australia the edge going into the first break, leading by three goals.

Australia continued this momentum, increasing their lead over England at every break to finish 10 goal victors.

Captain Geitz was one of the best for the Diamonds, finishing with four gains, three intercepts and seven deflections for the match, whilst shooter Jo Harten was crucial for England, scoring 30 goals from 33 attempts.

Corletto, who was playing in her 50th test for Australia, highlighted the importance of a full-court defence in their victory.

“We knew it had to be full court pressure to get the job done and it’s a great feeling to get the win,” Corletto said.

Australia will now play South Africa tonight, whilst England will take on Wales.

Results

Samoa, 46 defeat Singapore, 39

Trinidad and Tobago, 66 defeat Zambia, 39

South Africa, 68 defeat Wales, 40

Malawi, 59 defeat Uganda, 53

Fiji, 77 defeat Sri Lanka, 31

Scotland, 37 defeat Barbados, 34

New Zealand, 55 defeat Jamaica, 48

 

Standings

Pool E

  1. New Zealand, 1 win
  2. Malawi, 1 win
  3. Uganda, 0 wins
  4. Jamaica, 0 wins

Pool F

  1. South Africa, 1 win
  2. Australia, 1 win
  3. England, 0 wins
  4. Wales, 0 wins

Pool G

  1. Trinidad and Tobago, 1 win
  2. Samoa, 1 win
  3. Singapore, 0 wins
  4. Zambia, 0 wins

 

Pool H

  1. Fiji, 1 win
  2. Scotland, 1 win
  3. Barbados, 0 wins
  4. Sri Lanka, 0 wins