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Photo credit vaughn@swpix
There were highs, there were lows and there was some seriously fast and ferocious action on the court. Another hugely successful Co-operative World Netball Series saw New Zealand beat Jamaica in the final while earlier on in the competition Kukri clad England beat fellow Kukri kitted Australia for the first time since the early 1980's.
The rules were changed to create a netball competition with the 'wow' factor - 'Fast net' - and this tinkering of the rules created a real buzz on and off the court. The fans loved the 'golden double-bubble' - a shot from outside the circle in the power-play which is worth four points. England shooter Rachel Dunn made netball history becoming the first player to ever score the four points goal when England beat Samoa 36-16. Go that girl!
Against Australia, England once again started impressively. Shutting out the Diamonds for nearly three minutes before they scored by which time the home side had netted three goals. Fast Net is not just a tinkering of the rules it requires a different playing formula. Centre-pass, pass, pass shoot does not fit the bill and England have adapted the requirements and absorbed them into their play.
Australia levelled up the match with the first shot of the second quarter but that only galvanised England into responding with their superb athleticism rewarded with goals. It was a fast flurry of end to end action, not necessarily goals and a huge relief when the countdown was completed and the home side remained undefeated and top of the table.
England versus Australia was supposed to be the final but Jamaica and New Zealand booked their places in the showpiece of The Co-operative World Netball Series instead after England were unable to shut out the Jamaica in their earlier encounter despite beating New Zealand 24-21 on the first day.
Stinging from defeat in their first game, Australia, were raring to go in the play-off for third place and took a lead in the first quarter that they surrendered only once in the game. Despite stepping up the marking and keeping the ball out of as much danger as possible England could not catch Australia. They end this series with one win a piece and will resume on Tuesday in The Co-operative International Series in Bath.
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