Saturday 15 August 2015 08:25, UK
Defending champions Australia are through to the Netball World Cup final after defeating Jamaica 67-56 in front of a world record netball crowd of 16,244.
Diamonds' top goal scorer Caitlin Basset (49/52) put the first point on the scoreboard however Jamaican shooter Romelda Aiken (33/36) quick to reply with the two dominating attackers showing consistency in their own circles for all four quarters.
The fourth-ranked Sunshine Girls came out hard in the second half and, despite trailing 30-22, were determined to give the favourites a run for their money. They battled back to within seven goals at the third break.
Sharni Layton stepped in for Laura Geitz in defence for the final quarter and an early injury saw Kadie-Ann Dehaney moving to the bench as Jhaniele Fowler-Reid stepped into the circle, and Jamaica’s top scorer, Aiken, moved to defence.
These substitutions had little effect on Australia though, as they regained composure and surged through the final quarter in front of a roaring crowd to score 18 goals to Jamaica’s 14 and take the 67-56 victory.
Australia will play New Zealand in the Netball World Cup live on Sky Sports 4 from 6:15am.
