Ruthless Diamonds cut down Roses in Games statement
Australia have extended their perfect start to the Commonwealth Games with a dominant win over old rivals England in Glasgow.
The Diamonds have laid down a marker in their Commonwealth Games title defence, dismantling medal contenders England 66-47 in Glasgow.
After destroying debutants Tonga in their opening game, the Diamonds made it a perfect 2-0 start to their campaign with a commanding performance from start to finish at the Hydro on Sunday.
Sophie Garbin (41 goals/42 attempts) was near flawless again in the circle, partnering with Kiera Austin (15/19) to spearhead the win.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Austin also had 19 assists and 17 feeds, while captain Liz Watson had 19 and 29.
Goal shooter Liv Tchine (23 goals) was England’s biggest threat, but Australian defensive duo Jo Weston and Courtney Bruce gave away few easy chances.
Garbin and Austin went a combined 18/20 in the opening term to give the Diamonds a seven-goal buffer at the first break.
The margin grew to double figures late in the second quarter and Australia ran rampant in the third, outscoring their rivals 22-11.
It allowed coach Stacey Marinkovic to swing the changes and rest several of her starters late in the contest.
Austin hit the floor after a collision with England’s Jayda Pechova while Bruce also took a tumble, but both players shrugged off their knocks.
England fan-favourite Eleanor Cardwell entered the fray to a huge roar from the crowd during the third quarter and had a physical battle with Australia’s defenders.
Cardwell had raised eyebrows with pre-match comments to the Netball Unlocked podcast, when she declared “the Diamonds have one style and one style only”.
The Roses shooter was bundled over by Matilda Garrett at one stage and refused her opponent’s offer of a helping hand to get back up.
Australia, who next tackle Malawi in the third of five pool games, have now won seven of eight encounters with England at the Games.
The only blemish was a huge upset in the 2018 Gold Coast gold medal match.
Australia are aiming to go back-to-back for the second time in Games history, after successfully defending their 1998 title in 2002.
The Diamonds have never missed a netball final since the sport was added to the Games program in 1998 and are the most successful team with four gold medals.
Earlier on Sunday, Scotland ground out a hard-fought 56-47 victory over Wales.
Emma Barrie (39/41) shone up front in the host nation’s first netball win of the 2026 Games.
