Commonwealth Games: Diamonds thrash Northern Ireland for Games finals berth
Defending netball champions Diamonds are through to the Commonwealth Games semi-finals after demolishing Northern Ireland to remain undefeated in Glasgow.
The all-conquering Diamonds have bulldozed Northern Ireland 88-27 to punch Australia’s ticket to the Commonwealth Games netball semi-finals.
Australia demolished Northern Ireland to claim a 61-goal victory for the second time in Glasgow, outgunning the netball minnows to remain undefeated after five matches and finish at the top of pool A on Friday morning (AEST).
Northern Ireland finish the pool stage without registering a win, while Diamonds coach Stacey Marinkovich takes Australia to Saturday’s semi-finals and are primed to play world No.3 Jamaica.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.An injury-hit Silver Ferns side steamrolled a winless Trinidad and Tobago 83-23 earlier on day seven in Glasgow to lock in the top spot in pool B, with Jamaica to wrap up against Wales.
2018 Gold Coast champions England will play South Africa later on Friday, the winner to nab the final semi-final spot against New Zealand.
Marinkovich opted for a new starting line-up against Northern Ireland, benching vice-captain Kate Moloney, Courtney Bruce, Jamie-Lee Price and star shooters Kiera Austin and Sophie Garbin.
But even then, the world No.1 Diamonds were a class above and soared to a 27-6 lead at the first break.
Veteran goalshooter Cara Koenen (57 goals/58 attempts) and goal attack Sophie Dwyer (11/11) never missed a beat in attack, before fellow shooter Garbin (15/15) joined the fray after half-time.
Marinkovich also brought in Moloney, Price and Bruce for the second half, while Austin enjoyed a well-deserved rest as midcourter Georgia Horjus was moved into goal attack for the final quarter (5/7).
Northern Ireland couldn’t match Australia’s blistering ball movement, notching 21 turnovers to seven.
Lisa Bowman (15/18) was Northern Ireland’s leading attacker, as Diamonds goalkeeper Sarah Klau and goal defender Matilda Garrett proved nearly unbeatable.
The finals-bound Diamonds have one eye on bitter rivals New Zealand, who will be at least one player down in their gold medal campaign.
Young defender Catherine Hall is suspected to have suffered the dreaded anterior cruciate ligament tear, requiring a wheelchair after hurting her left knee in the fourth quarter of the Silver Ferns’ 65-37 win over Wales.
Goal attack Georgia Heffernan also hurt her ankle against Wales, but New Zealand are confident she will prove fit for their semi-final match.
Teams at the Commonwealth Games are unable to call up injury replacements, meaning New Zealand - also undefeated in Glasgow so far - will contend for gold with 11 fit players.
Originally published on AAP
