Commonwealth Games: New Zealand brush Scots aside

New Zealand’s netballers showed no mercy to compatriot Gail Parata, the Scotland coach, as they thrashed the hosts 71-14 in a Pool A match.

The Scottish netball team. Picture: TSPL

The Thistles were never able to live with the Silver Ferns, who are among the gold medal favourites. After their opening 58-30 win over St Lucia, the Scots will be targeting at least one further win from their other group games against Jamaica, Northern Ireland and Malawi.

England suffered last-minute despair as Jo Harten’s miss set up Australia to snatch a 49-48 win from their Pool B tussle at the SECC.

England led until the final quarter, but a forceful courtside pep talk from Australia coach Lisa Alexander steeled the Diamonds for a late surge. They drew level and then traded points with England until, inside the final minute and with the tension rising, Harten failed to make her shot, which bounced off the rim to hand the initiative to the Australians.

England whitewashed Australia 3-0 in a series at the start of last year, but this time it would be the world No.1 team coming out on top, as 6ft 4in goal shooter Caitlin Bassett landed the decisive shot with 15 seconds remaining.

Harten, pictured, had to be consoled by team-mates after the match, breaking down in tears.

Yet it could be soon forgotten given England have South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados to come in the round-robin stage, as they bid to reach next Saturday’s semi-finals. Anna Mayes’ England players began their campaign with a 65-25 win over Wales on Friday.