Commonwealth Games: England begin title defence with dominant win
- Published
Defending netball champions England win opener
2022 Commonwealth Games |
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Hosts: Birmingham Dates: 28 July to 8 August |
Coverage: Watch live on BBC TV with extra streams on BBC iPlayer, Red Button, BBC Sport website and BBC Sport mobile app; Listen on BBC Radio 5 Live and Sports Extra; live text and clips online. |
England began their netball title defence in dominant style with a 74-22 victory against Trinidad and Tobago.
After a slow start they cannot afford against stronger opponents, England found their groove and led 37-9 at the break at a packed NEC in Birmingham.
Their stranglehold tightened, with the introduction of substitutes doing little to slow the hosts' charge.
England's unexpected win over Australia at the 2018 Commonwealth Games is regarded as their greatest victory.
They also face competition from New Zealand in Group B, with other favourites Australia and Jamaica in Group A, as they bid for gold on home soil.
"I don't think we've ever been cheered so loudly for a warm-up," said Birmingham-born wing defence Stacey Francis-Bayman.
"I think the crowd can be better and we can be better too."
Concerns around England's mid-court due to former captain Serena Guthrie's retirement and an injury to the experienced Beth Cobden may be warranted after Laura Malcolm and new skipper Natalie Metcalf struggled to get the ball into the shooting circle in the early stages.
Shooter Helen Housby - who scored a last-second goal to secure gold on the Gold Coast - was not as accurate as usual but few flaws could be found in such a comfortable victory in front of a joyful crowd.
World number one side Australia opened their campaign with an emphatic 95-18 victory over bottom-seed Barbados in Group A.
The Diamonds, who have won the title three times, were in scintillating form, punishing Barbados' sloppiness while being clinical under the post.
Later on, Wales, who are ranked eighth in the world, held their own against three-time medallists Jamaica but ultimately fell to a 72-43 defeat as the Sunshine Girls showcased the power in their attack and strength in depth.
In Friday's final game, Northern Ireland were beaten 79-20 by New Zealand.
The top two teams from each of two groups will qualify for the semi-finals.
Commonwealth Games netball groups | |
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Group A | Group B |
Australia | New Zealand |
Jamaica | England |
South Africa | Malawi |
Scotland | Uganda |
Wales | Trinidad and Tobago |
Barbados | Northern Ireland |