Commonwealth Games: England netball team suffer dramatic 49-48 loss to Australia
Last Updated: 26/07/14 1:33pm
England felt the pain as Australia snatched a dramatic last-gasp 49-48 victory in their gripping Commonwealth Games Pool B netball showdown at Glasgow's SECC venue on Saturday.
Experienced goal shooter Jo Harten broke down in tears after the final buzzer when her shot bounced off the rim to hand the initiative to the Australians.
That allowed 6ft 4in goal shooter Caitlin Bassett to land the decisive shot with 15 seconds remaining to the massive disappointment of Harten and her team-mates.
England whitewashed Australia 3-0 in a series at the start of last year, but this time the world No 1 team came out on top.
Harten had helped England crush Wales 65-25 in their opening match, but in a tussle of two of netball's international giants, a forceful final quarter courtside pep talk from Australia coach Lisa Alexander inspired her team to success.
The 25-year-old Harten, who plys her trade for Waikato Magic in New Zealand, had to be consoled after the match, breaking down in a flood of tears as she felt the impact of her miss.
Yet it could be soon forgotten given England have South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados to come in the round-robin stage, as they bid to reach next Saturday's semi-finals.
Anna Mayes' England could yet face Australia again in the final, although Saturday's defeat means England may have to get past defending champions New Zealand in the semi-finals if, as expected, both reach the last-four stage.
