The New Zealand netball team face a tense wait so see if they’ll progress to the semi-finals of Gold Coast 2018, after their hard fought 54-45 loss to England in their final group game today.
The teams were level at 12-12 after the first quarter, then England forged ahead 26-24 by halftime. Outstanding defensive work by both teams led to plenty of turnover ball but England were able to capitalise at their shooting end, with Jo Harten scoring 27 from 31. While Maria Folau slotted 30 from 39 in an incredible long-range shooting display, and New Zealand’s tenacious defenders continued to rally, England finally pulled away in the dying minutes.
New Zealand captain Katrina Grant lamented the errors New Zealand made in the fourth quarter, but was adamant her team would keep fighting.
“We can’t get down. This is the time for us to stay together and pull finger and do better,” she said. “It’s hard to take. We know we’re great netball players and we need to start showing that.”
New Zealand’s prospects are in the balance as they await the outcome of the match between Uganda and Scotland to determine their fate. If Uganda win by a wide margin they could tip New Zealand out of the second pool position and therefore a place in the semi-finals.