England beaten by New Zealand in netball semi-final
England’s netball team lost 61-54 to New Zealand in the Commonwealth Games semi-final, ending their bid to reach the gold-medal match. The Roses can still win bronze on Sunday, while New Zealand progress to face either Australia or Jamaica in the final.
New Zealand’s speed, accuracy and height advantage, particularly through shooter Grace Nweke, gave them a 16-11 first-quarter lead and a 29-24 advantage at half-time. England improved after Eleanor Cardwell replaced Liv Tchine and reduced the deficit at stages, but struggled to convert defensive pressure into goals as New Zealand extended their lead to nine points before England narrowed it late on.
- England lose 61-54 to New Zealand in the semi-final
- The Roses will play for Commonwealth Games bronze
- New Zealand reach their first final since 2014
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Netball is a team sport in which players pass the ball down court and try to score by shooting it through a raised ring. Only certain players can shoot, and each has a set area of the court in which they can move.
England’s team, known as the Roses, and New Zealand are among the leading sides in international netball. The Commonwealth Games is a multi-sport event for countries and territories with links to the Commonwealth, and its netball tournament includes a knockout semi-final stage.
The semi-finals decide which teams compete for gold and which go on to contest bronze. The result therefore ended England’s chance of reaching the final, while New Zealand advanced to compete for the title.