Australia’s Commonwealth Games netball campaign has been dealt a blow, with the Diamonds falling to Jamaica in a thrilling pool match in Birmingham.
Key points:
- The Diamonds led by six goals ahead of the final quarter
- Jamaica captain Jhaniele Fowler was outstanding with 47 goals
- The Diamonds will play either England or New Zealand in the semi-finals
Jamaica trailed by as many as six goals heading into the final quarter, but finished in resounding fashion to overhaul the Diamonds with a 57-55 victory.
It is the first time in Commonwealth Games history that Jamaica has defeated Australia in netball.
The win means unbeaten Jamaica tops Pool A ahead of the Diamonds, who will play either England or New Zealand in the semi-finals.
Jamaica captain Jhaniele Fowler, who plays for West Coast Fever in Super Netball, had a starring role in her team’s win with 47 goals.
Shanice Beckford provided a valuable 10-goal haul.
Gretel Bueta was the Diamonds’ top scorer with 36 goals, while Steph Wood added 19.
Fowler was unstoppable for Jamaica, with no-one in the Diamonds squad able to counter her size and strength.
Jamaica’s game plan was evident from the outset: get the ball to Fowler early and often, and by whatever means necessary.
.