So not only is the Netball World Cup happening right now, it’s also happening in Sydney.
If that’s news to you, it shouldn’t be a tremendous shock. The broadcasting partners in Australia haven’t exactly been all guns blazing in terms of promotion.
What you do need to know, however, is that the Australian Diamonds are a dominating force to be reckoned with – possibly the most well rounded and capable national sporting side we have at the moment.
In fact, save for a narrow boilover against New Zealand (yes, it’s at a point right now where losing to the highly regarded Silver Ferns is considered something of an upset) Australia has absolutely mauled their competition.
This includes a comfortable 10 point victory over England, and a pair of obliterations over fancied rivals, including a 73-32 demolition of World Number 10 ranked Trinidad & Tobago, and a virtual training drill against number 9 ranked Barbados to the tune of 83-16.
And the tournament of domination continued in earnest last night, as the Diamonds completely ironed out the World Number 5 ranked South Africa by a staggering 35 points, practically coasting to a 66-31 victory.
More impressively, the victory was orchestrated largely by the Diamonds’ young bench, with senior starting players all deliberately rested by Coach Lisa Alexander.
The Diamonds ran rings around the Proteas all game long, forcing the Saffers into an unbelievable 64 contact penalties, compared with Australia’s 24.
22 year-old phenom Paige Hadley controlled mid-court with an iron fist, racking up a game high 16 goal assists. Whilst in the shooting arc, Shooter Caitlin Thwaites and Attack Erin Bell had their aim dialled in, netting 33 from 38 and 33 from 35 respectively.
The win guarantees the defending World Champions a top two finish in their Pool, and punches their ticket into the World Cup semi-finals, and a likely clash against the World Number 4 ranked Jamaica.
The Diamonds have one game remaining in the Qualification rounds, clashing with Wales on Friday night.
All games of the 2015 Netball World Cup take place at the Allphones Arena at Sydney’s Olympic Park. You can catch every game live and in HD on Fox Sports, with Channel 10 also picking up some of the broadcasts.
Photo: Matt King via Getty Images.
via ABC News.
