England have missed out on a place in the final of the Netball World Cup following todays 50-39 loss to New Zealand. Despite going into the game having won five matches from six in the group stages, the Roses went down early on and couldn't come back against the unbeaten Silver Ferns.
England, ranked third in the world, got off to a slow start and quickly found themselves 4-0 down. But they grew into the game and managed to limit the score to 21-17, a deficit of only four at half time. But New Zealand came out after the break with fresh intent with Goal Attack Maria Tutaia proving very effective, scoring 35 goals. By the end of the third quarter, the world number two had opened up a ten point gap to lead 37-27. Coach Tracy Neville made changes for the last 15 minutes, but the deficit proved too much and the Silver Ferns were able to extend their lead to finish as 50-39 winners.
The loss means England now play in the bronze medal game against world number four, Jamaica after they lost 67-56 against Australia earlier in the other semi-final. The Roses beat Jamaica to claim third place at the previous World Cup in 2011, but then went on to loose to the Sunshine Girls in the third/fourth play-off at last years Commonwealth Games.
Hosts Australia will go into the final as favourites, with the reigning World Cup and Commonwealth champions, having won the title a record ten times overall. But New Zealand are definitely in with a shout, and will be looking to upset their Antipodean rivals to record their fifth World Cup wni.
There were also losses for Wales and Scotland on the penultimate day of competition down under. Wales were beaten 71-52 by the 5th seeds Malawi and will now face a 7th/8th place match against Uganda. The Thistles lost 57-56 against Trinidad and Tobago and will now compete for eleventh spot against Fiji.