Geitz and Diamonds take step towards netball semis

Australia has booked its spot in the Netball World Cup semi-finals, after flattening South Africa 66-31 in their second qualification match at Sydney’s Allphones Arena.

The scoreline at half-time was 32-21 in England’s favour and although they preserved their advantage going into the final quarter, South Africa were still well in contention at 46-36.

Australia did not take their foot off the gas in the second-half as they peppered the South Africans with constant attacks on their way to a straightforward win that guarantees them the chance to play for a medal.

Certainly, it was a strong rebound performance from the Australians, who were stung by a rare defeat they considered one too many after 21 consecutive wins, and are now firmly back on course for a third successive world title and 11th overall.

“They’re just incredibly courageous and fearless the way the go about their business and let the ball go to spaces that you just don’t think exist”, Alexander said.

The 22-year-old Hadley again proved what a force she will be in the future with immaculate movement and some pin-point circle feeds to goal attack Erin Bell and shooter Caitlin Thwaites.

The Ferns have overturned a three goal halftime deficit to down the Sunshine Girls 55-48.

The Kiwis piled on 20 more goals in the final 15 minutes, Brown making way for Maria Tutaia in her 100th game for the Silver Ferns, Taumaunu continuing to tweak her line-up to share the playing load.

Netball World Cup’s Kath Tetley said the trophy tour was about community engagement and fan experience.

What we can be pretty certain of however, is to win the title, the Ferns will have to beat both England and Australia in the finals – in what order will depend on what happens over the next few days in the round qualification matches.

The adjustment mirrored that made by New Zealand against Jamaica on Tuesday, when shooter Bailey Mes was pinged with a swag of offensive penalties for leaning backwards in rebounding positions.

The research has been well documented all the way through, Wilson says – who each player will be up against, and the different styles that can be expected.

“Moving to Australia at the start of 2013, I thought, ‘Well, that’s it, I have to see red now, ‘ as in red Swifts, and that was exciting, but it is very good to be back in black”, she said.