New Zealand remain unbeaten after hard-fought win over Jamaica
Thursday 13 August 2015 23:31, UK
New Zealand maintained their unbeaten start to the Netball World Cup with an impressive 55-48 victory over Jamaica in Sydney.
The Kiwis, who have already claimed a win over favourites Australia, overcame a 27-24 deficit at half-time as they fought back to secure a fourth straight triumph in the tournament.
Goal Shooter Romelda Aiken again spearheaded the Jamaican attack and they immediately forced New Zealand onto the back foot, opening a three-goal lead in the first quarter.
The Sunshine Girls continued to hold off the Kiwis in the second quarter, with Wing Attack Khadijah Williams supplying accurate feeds to her shooters, and retained a three-goal cushion at the break.
But Leana de Bruin produced a superb intercept as New Zealand began to close the gap in the third quarter and Aiken’s attacking threat was being stifled at the other end.
Jamaica’s desperate attempts to stage a fourth quarter rally were in vain and New Zealand will attempt to extend their winning run against Malawi.
Earlier in the day, Scotland held off a late fightback from Barbados in a hard fought 37-34 victory.
Scotland's hopes of competing for silverware were ended by Monday’s heavy 71-24 defeat against Jamaica, but a resolute display from goal defence Fiona Themann helped them to restore pride.
