Netball: England lose to Austrlia in third place play off

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With a line up that many predicted would be the final, it was actually a battle for third place as Austrlia took on England at the MEN Arena in the Co-operative World Netball Series.

Stinging from defeat by England in the day’s first game, Australia, were raring to go in the play-off for third place and took a lead in the first quarter that they then surrendered only once in the match. England looked a little tired finding it tough to match the mobility of the Diamonds.

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Starting the second period five-three down meant 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. It would certainly seem sensible going forward to tweak the new Fast Net rules to only allow one team per quarter to use their Power Play.

Once again England were unable to close the gap on their rivals by using the Power Play although they did go ahead briefly after Sonia Mkoloma won a turn-over and Pamela Cookey landed the shot.

Despite stepping up the marking and keeping the ball out of as much danger as possible, England could not catch Australia even with some double-pointers from Jo Harten. The score ended 23-18.

They end this series with one win apiece and will resume on Tuesday in the Co-operative International Series in Bath.

Meanwhile in the final between New Zealand and Jamaica, New Zealand came out top and are crowded champions. You can see England take on New Zealand on Thursday 15 October in Bath.

Louise Hudson, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine

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