Following a resounding win against Papua New Guinea on Sunday, hopes were high for the match against Australia. Unfortunately, as with their previous game against New Zealand, the England team seemed to lose steam in the second half of the game and soon lost precious ground.

The game started off well and both sides struck a frenetic pace that would have left any other mere mortals (us) dying on the floor. Goals were fast and furious and by the end of the first half, England had edged into a small 23-21 lead against a strong Australian side, despite errors creeping into their game.

Ten minutes before the end of the third quarter, the atmosphere was electric in the stadium as Australia drew even on 31-31. Australia began to show their dominance and drew ahead with a three goals lead and although England fought back with courage, by the time the whistle went, England was trailing 34-35.

The final quarter was tense and thrilling. The England girls were forced on to the defensive by a relentless Australian side. The girls desperately tried to claw a way back into the game and eventually managed to reduce the Australian lead to three goals with two and a half minutes left to play, but although they played with tremendous passion and courage, Australia blocked them at every turn.

The final result was 45-51 to Australia and although the girls must be bitterly disappointed, they still have a match against Jamaica and a bronze medal to play for.

We will be keeping our fingers crossed (and everything else!) here at Netball Fun…