England's bid to regain the Commonwealth Games netball title is over after a 61-54 semi-final defeat to New Zealand. The Roses will face Australia in Sunday's bronze medal match, with Jamaica reaching the final.
Key facts
- New Zealand beat England 61-54 in the netball semi-final.
- England, the 2018 Gold Coast champions, will play for bronze on Sunday morning.
- Jamaica defeated defending champions Australia to reach the final.
- Australia scored three goals to cut Jamaica's lead to one with 36 seconds remaining.
- England will face Australia in the bronze medal match.
England’s hopes of regaining their Commonwealth Games netball title are over after a 61-54 defeat to New Zealand’s Silver Ferns in the semi-final, according to the Guardian.
The outlet reported that the result was far more comprehensive than the scoreline suggests, with England second best throughout and thoroughly outplayed by New Zealand.
The Roses, who famously won gold on the Gold Coast in 2018, at least have the consolation of a place in the bronze medal match, scheduled for Sunday morning.
In the other semi-final, Jamaica reached the Commonwealth Games netball final by defeating defending champions Australia in what the Guardian described as one of the biggest surprises in the sport’s history.
The Guardian called it the best game of the tournament by far. Australia scored three goals to reduce Jamaica’s lead to a single goal with 36 seconds remaining, but Jamaica held on to advance.
With Jamaica through to the final, England will now face Australia in the bronze medal match on Sunday morning.
Why it matters
Netball is one of the marquee events of the Commonwealth Games, and England's defeat ends their attempt to reclaim the title they won in 2018. Jamaica's shock win over Australia also reshapes the balance of power in a sport long dominated by Australia and New Zealand.
Frequently asked questions
What was the score in the England v New Zealand netball semi-final?
New Zealand's Silver Ferns beat England 61-54, a result the Guardian said was more comprehensive than the scoreline suggests.
Who will England play for the bronze medal?
England will face Australia in the bronze medal match on Sunday morning.
Who reached the netball final?
Jamaica reached the final after defeating defending champions Australia, one of the biggest surprises in the sport's history according to the Guardian.