Aussies gain revenge

Australia defeated England 23-18 win in the third/fourth-place play-off at the The Co-operative World Netball Series.

Rivals finish with one win apiece ahead of showdown in Bath

Australia gained revenge for their loss to England with a 23-18 win over the 'auld enemy' in the play-off for third place at the The Co-operative World Netball Series. The Australians, who lost to the same opponents for the first time in 26 years on Saturday, took an early lead in the first quarter and only surrendered that advantage once in the game. In contrast, England looked a little tired on the final day of the tournament, finding it tough to match the mobility of the Diamonds. Starting the second period five-three down, it was an uphill struggle for the home side but a two-pointer from Pamela Cookey levelled the score at 6-6 and it was game on again. Both teams called their power plays in the third quarter but once again England were unable to close the gap on their rivals by using their 'double bubble. Although they did go ahead briefly after Sonia Mkoloma won a turn-over and Pamela Cookey landed the shot, England were unable to stay clear of their rivals. Despite some double-pointers from Jo Harten, they were eight points adrift at the finish, meaning the two nations end this series with one win a piece. They resume battle on Tuesday in The Co-operative International Series in Bath. Q1: 5-3
Q2: 10-9
Q3: PP 18-13
Q4: 23-18 Australia:
GS Catherine Cox, GA Susan Pratley, WA Kim Green, C Natalie Von Bertouch, WD Johannah Curran, GD Bianca Chatfield, GK Susan Fuhrmann
Replacements: Natalie Medhurst, Kate Beveridge, Lauren Nourse, Rebecca Bulley, Renae Hallinan England: GS Jo Harten, GA Pamela Cookey, WA Karen Atkinson, C Jade Clarke, WD Sara Bayman, GD Sonia Mkoloma, GK Geva Mentor
Replacements: Rachel Dunn, Tamsin Greenway, Serena Guthrie, Stacey Francis, Eboni Beckford Chambers