The England Fives will take on South Africa for a place in the final of the Fast5 tournament with victory over Jamaica securing their spot in the top four.
England will look to defeat South Africa and book their place in the final to give them a chance of defending the title they won in Liverpool last year.Victory over Jamaica in the opening game of day 2 all but secured their place in the top four and despite stumbling to defeats by the Malawi Queens and Fast5 Ferns, Anna Mayes’ side had done enough to progress.
England made the best possible start to the day with a positive win over Jamaica. With Jo Harten and Rachel Shaw both sinking the three pointers and with a clever use of their power play England ran out comfortable 39-28 winners.
For England’s second match of the day they were up against the hugely talented and tactically astute Malawi Queens. Both teams elected to take their Powerplay periods in the second half of the match and an edgy first 12 minutes saw the Fives squeak into an 11-9 lead at the interval. With England electing to take their powerplay in quarter three they would later rue the lack of shooting options created and both shooters were off target missing all four attempts from out of the circle. Unlike England the Queens made the most of their Powerplay and despite a late flurry from the England Fives the Malawi Queens were able to inflict the first defeat of the tournament on England.
With other results working in England’s favour, the final match of the day between the Fives and the Fast5 Ferns would determine the semi-final line-up. A win for England would see them face Jamaica, any other result would see New Zealand remain unbeaten in the group stage and finish on top to face the Sunshine Girls.
Despite a valiant effort England couldn’t match the attacking fire-power and scoring ability of New Zealand as Irene Van Dyk and Maria Tutaia led the Fast5 Ferns to a comfortable 47-31 victory.
In the day’s other matches South Africa edged Australia 28-27, a result which ultimately saw the Proteas qualify for the semi-finals. Jamaica also beat the Diamonds by a single goal in another excellent match, a result which saw the Caribbean team progress ahead of the unlucky Malawi Queens.
The final day’s play promises to be a thrilling one with Jamaica facing New Zealand at 2:15am GMT and England take to the court at 3:00am when they challenge South Africa for a place in the final. The final is due to take place at 6:30am as England dream of lifting silverware once again.
Beth Shine, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
