Netball: England just misses bronze medal to long-time rivals Jamaica

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It appears there is a pattern emerging in the elite netball championships where Jamaica and England always battle it out for third place whilst the slightly stronger trans-Tasman teams battle for first.

Following the trend of the 2003 and 2007 Senior Netball World Championships and the 2006 Commonwealth Games England once again faced northern hemisphere rivals Jamaica in the third place playoffs of the World Youth Championship in the Cook Islands.

Unfortunately in yesterday afternoon’s tight game that left everyone on the edge of their seats, it was the Jamaicans who once again held the bronze medals in their hands after winning 48-42

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Read related reports:

Netball: England bow out to the stronger team

Netball: England win the final pool game at World Youth Championships

Netball: England top their group at World Youth Netball Championships

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With slightly different line-ups from the semi-final games England and Jamaica spent the first quarter with great defensive plays that left the two teams tied at 11-all when the whistle blew. England had obviously analysed their problems after the loss to Australia. In that game there had been too many turnovers that didn’t stay in their possession and easy interception opportunities, but all through this game England had a level of ferocity and concentration they hadn’t displayed before.

Captain Eboni Beckford Chambers (GK) seemed the player of the day, working well with Stacey Francis (GD) whilst taking on Jamaican star and two-time Most Valuable Player of the senior ANZ championships Romedla Aiken (GS). Beckford Chambers forced Aiken into more errors than the player obviously liked, whittling away some good opportunities. Unfortunately for England, even with these unforced errors Jamaica still played strongly and by the end of the third quarter England were down 32-34 after temporarily levelling.

It was in the last seven minutes of the match when Jo Harten (GA) went down with a foot injury and was replaced by young star Ella Clark . She quickly increased England’s chances when taking rebound shots, displaying good basketball skills. However as the game came to a close England’s desperation to win failed to help them as Jamaica closed out the game 48-42. England and their supporters were in tears, proving how much they had wished for success.

For England, what they must take away from the tournament is how close they came to the top. With Clark and Rosie Allison young enough to be eligible to play in four years time they will also have gained some great experience.

Imogen Jacobs, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine

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