England, not New Zealand, Australia’s new rival for Games netball gold
THE world order of netball has undergone a major shake-up with England - not New Zealand - looming as Australia’s biggest danger at the Commonwealth Games.
Women's sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Women's sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- New mum Laura Geitz chasing her dream ... with help
- Teenage Sevens star scores dream job
- This is one very lucky Aussie sailor
THE world order of netball has undergone a major shake-up with England - not New Zealand - emerging as Australia’s biggest danger at the upcoming Commonwealth Games.
In the wake of the final international netball series before the Games, England will go into the Gold Coast event as the number two netball nation on form.
The England Roses, who beat the Silver Ferns in extra time, finished second to Australia in the four-nation Quad series secured by the Diamonds thanks to their 19-point thrashing of New Zealand in Sunday’s finale.
QUAD SERIES GAME ONE: Close call for Diamonds
QUAD SERIES GAME TWO: Diamonds shine as experiment continues
Coach Lisa Alexander said her players should be “extraordinarily pleased’’ with themselves after reclaiming the Quad series crown with one of their biggest wins over New Zealand in history.
The 19-goal victory in South Africa was the biggest margin by an Australian team over arch rivals New Zealand since 2012.
GOLD: Aussie cousins beat Rio Olympic champions
OPERATION: Kezie Apps goes under the knife
It was also only the 11th time in history the Diamonds have beaten New Zealand by a margin of 19 or more, with Alexander praising her charges for playing smart.
“They should be extraordinarily pleased with themselves, they represented our country and netball in Australia with distinction,” she said.
England finished runners-up in the Quad series after beating South Africa 52-47 in their final game of the tournament.
Australia have three Commonwealth Games crowns and go into the Gold Coast event as defending champions. New Zealand have won two Games crowns.
No other country has beaten these two netball nations in the Commonwealth Games arena.