Gems lose netball opener to world No. 1 Australia

Barbados were defeated 95-18 by Australia in the opening pool netball match at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England, on Friday.

The world No. 1 side took a firm grip from the first quarter to lead 25-4 and built on that momentum with 52-9 and 73-14 scores at the end of the ensuing periods.

Gretel Bueta led Australia with 44 goals from 48 attempts and starting goal attack Kiera Austin was a perfect six from six. Second half shooter Cara Koenen responded with 35 from 38 and her goal attack Steph Wood added ten from 15.

Barbados’ starting goal shooter Shonica Wharton played for three quarters to post six from 13 and Brianna Holder scored two of her three attempts.

Latonia Blackman was switched from defence to goal attack in the second quarter and she put up six from eight, while Faye Agard scored four of her seven attempts.

Today is a rest day for the team, with a fixture against South Africa on Sunday.

In other matches, England beat Trinidad and Tobago 74-22, Jamaica dismissed Wales 72-43 and New Zealand defeated Northern Ireland 79-20. (SAT)

 

Leave a Reply