Netball World Cup: England beat Wales to keep semi-final hopes alive
Wednesday 12 August 2015 14:34, UK
England comprehensively beat Wales 78-33 on Wednesday to keep their Netball World Cup semi-finals hopes alive.
The Roses bounced back from a 10-goal defeat to Australia on Tuesday with a dominant display against the Dragons.
The win means Tracey Neville's side just need to beat South Africa in their final qualification match on Friday to confirm their spot in Saturday's semi-finals.
Neville mixed-up her seven throughout match, utilising all her squad players and testing different combinations across the court.
Sonia Mkoloma proved a force in defence in the first half and made it difficult for Wales shooter Chelsea Lewis to find space within the ring, ultimately resorting to shoot way out of her comfort zone at the top.
There were moments of exceptional teamwork between Lewis and shooting partner Emma Thomas that even caught Keeper Eboni Beckford-Chamber off guard. However it was England’s quarter and they took a 23-8 lead into the first change.
Once again, shooter Jo Harten (28/29) and midcourter Serena Guthrie were impressive.
The accuracy of England’s shooters, notably Harten who sat at 96% at half-time, helped England to a commanding 26-goal margin. When asked after the game, Harten commented that she was, "striving for 100% accuracy today".
Wales introduced 20-year Georgia Rowe at half-time. The 6ft 5in shooter put in a fine performance on her first outing in top-level netball.
But Tamsin Greenway was influential throughout the match, so too Serena Guthrie in Wing Defence who said after the match: "WD is my bread and butter but always happy playing WA if need be.”
For the four quarters, England were too good for Wales, their ball use across the court and creativity in shooting combinations eventually giving them a solid 78-33 victory.
The result means Wales can't qualify for the semi-finals even if they beat reigning champions Australia on Friday.
Watch England v South Africa on Friday 14 August at 7:15am, live on Sky Sports 4.
