England Netball Loses Bronze to Australia 68-50 at Commonwealth Games

England's netballers were beaten 68-50 by world number one Australia in Sunday's bronze-medal match at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow — a day after a frustrating semi-final loss to New Zealand left them fighting for third place instead of gold.

Australia themselves arrived at the bronze match in unusual circumstances, having been stunned by Jamaica in Saturday's semi-final — one of the biggest upsets in Commonwealth Games netball history. The Diamonds had previously reached every Commonwealth final and won the tournament four times.

Australia Find Their Rhythm

England made a positive start, with Roses captain Fran Williams applying great pressure that forced Australia shooter Kiera Austin to miss, before Liv Tchine slotted in to give England an early lead at 9-7. But the Diamonds then overwhelmed England in a bruising seven-minute spell in the first quarter, overturning the deficit to lead 19-11.

The half-time score was 35-24 to Australia. England brought on shooter Eleanor Cardwell in the third quarter, and she helped the Roses close to 45-34, but the visitors steadied to maintain their advantage throughout the final period.

Jamaica and New Zealand Play for Gold

Despite the result, England coach Anna Stembridge's team lost by one less point than their earlier pool-stage defeat against the same opponents. Australia, though playing for bronze rather than gold, were driven by the desire to show what they are capable of after their shock semi-final exit.

Jamaica, who have never won gold at the Commonwealth Games, will face two-time champions New Zealand in Sunday afternoon's gold-medal match. England's netball season continues with the domestic league following the conclusion of the Games.