Singapore 62-51 Sri Lanka
England vs Northern Ireland 87-16
Malaysia vs Botswana 39-60
New Zealand vs South Africa 58-28
Barbados Vs Fiji 48-49
Australia vs Malawi 58-44
Jamaica vs Trinidad & Tobago 79-42
Samoa vs Wales 44-45
GAME 36
COURT 2, PLAY-OFFS
8th July 2011
A fairytale ending for the Welsh ladies who until the last minute of the game were behind their strong opponents, Samoa, who are ranked two places above them in the world. This incredibly close finish to the match, ended Wales 45 – Samoa 44.
Samoa, world number 11 stormed to a lead at the start of this game, leaving Wales in their wake, pushing the ball to all corners of the court.
MATCH REPORT: JAMAICA v TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
GAME 35
COURT 1, QUARTER FINALS
8th July 2011
The last Quarter Final of the night was a closely contested battle between the two Caribbean power houses, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago.
Jamaica got off to a dominating start and kept up the pace throughout. Often we refer to her sister Romelda Aiken (who was again outstanding today) but in this instance it was Nicole Aiken-Pinnock who came into her own out on court this evening with an exceptional showing at Goal Keeper. Aiken-Pinnock was on fire, showing off her array of defensive skills. Wing Attack and captain Nadine Bryan was dynamic around the attacking third, throwing pin-point accurate passes to her shooters and securing her place at the “sweet spot” at the top of the circle edge.
MATCH REPORT: AUSTRALIA v MALAWI
GAME 34
COURT 1, QUARTER FINALS
8th July 2011
The third semi-final spot has been filled by Australia after they valiantly pushed through to defeat Malawi 58 to 44 in the third Quarter Final today.
Another top team to experience a tough win in the finals stages of the competition, Australia looked in control for the majority of the game, trying new combinations to find a rhythm, but at times they struggled to ebb the flow of Malawis attacking line-up. Both shooters to take the court, Catherine Cox and Caitlin Bassett, were invaluable to their team – this was Caitlin’s fourth game shooting at 100%. Laura Geitz, who came on in the last quarter, added some spark into the Australian backline, pulling off some amazing intercepts and turning the ball over for her team when it mattered most, stemming the Malawi comeback.
MATCH REPORT: BARBADOS v FIJI
GAME 33
COURT 1, PLAY-OFFS
8th July 2011
Barbados got into their groove before the match even started today, incorporating the music that was blaring out into the stadium into their warm up, each taking it in turn to devise a dance move. They took this energy onto the court, however their strong opposition Fiji, who stand four places higher than them in the IFNA world rankings, snatched victory in the dying seconds of the match winning 49-48.
This was a closely contested game that went backwards and forwards. Fiji appeared to have more of a spring in their step compared to their counterparts and with Barbados lacking some height in the circle, they always seemed to have the advantage.
MATCH REPORT: NEW ZEALAND v SOUTH AFRICA
GAME 32
COURT 1, QUARTER FINALS
8th July 2011
New Zealand had a shock to the system as their first quarter against South Africa didn’t quite go as planned but sure enough they found their footing in the second, storming ahead to take the win 58 to 28.
The opening quarter saw the New Zealand side struggle against a physical South African defence and the typically deadly Maria Tutaia didn’t quite find her range under the hoop. A couple of minutes breathing between quarters and the Silver Ferns were back on form, quickly outscoring the South Africans 17-6 in the second quarter. Playing her 50th test cap for New Zealand, Leana de Bruin was brilliant on defence claiming intercept, deflection and a couple of blocked shot stats to add to her impressive tally. Laura Langman, who took the court in the third quarter, was immediately an influence on the game, stealing an intercept and flying the ball down to Paula Griffin to sink the shot.
MATCH REPORT: MALAYSIA v BOTSWANA
GAME 31
COURT 2, PLAY-OFFS
8th July 2011
In this play off game between Malaysia and Botswana, it came down to the question of who wanted it more? The hard, fast passes from Botswana and the more restrained style from their Asian counterparts made for a skilled game. Botswana came out victorious after the four quarters with a score of 60 goals to 39.
Botswana got off to a strong attacking start in this match, once again displaying their fun nature using sly passes to get past their opponents, however Malaysia picked up the pace and looked more aggressive in their play than they have done since the start of the tournament.
MATCH REPORT: ENGLAND v NORTHERN IRELAND
GAME 30
COURT 1, QUARTER FINALS
8th July 2011
England have secured themselves a Semi-Finals berth after well and truly dealing to Northern Ireland in the Quarter-Finals this afternoon.
With the majority of players taking to the court, England looked sharp, with their quick direct play and smart movements through court. Sonia Mkoloma, who played Goal Keep and Goal Defence, was directing play the whole time, standing on the transverse line when her team were on attack, Sonia could be heard around the stadium. Her amazing leadership skills became apparent when she worked with different defenders seamlessly. Tamsin Greenway at Wing Attack tittered around the circle edge with such skill that it was hard for Northern Ireland to keep her off it. Jade Clarke, who received player of the match, was exceptional on both attack and defence – she will be one to watch come the semi-finals.
MATCH REPORT: SRI LANKA v SINGAPORE
GAME 29
COURT 1, PLAY-OFFS
8th July 2011
A strong start from Sri Lanka set up the scene for a well-deserved win over host-nation Singapore in the opening game of Day 5.
Singapore struggled to combat the height of 2.06m shooter Tharjini Sivalingam despite using various techniques, such as lifting each other up to try and tip the ball away. The Sri Lankan mid-court combination of Gayathri Lankatilleka and Mereesha Fernando had refined their passing into Sivalingam and were spot on every time. Goal Attack Sanuduni Bollagala played with decisive skill and intelligence, drawing the defenders away from Sivalingam and creating space for herself. The defensive unit for Sri Lanka ought to be congratulated, as their one on one marking stifled the attack of Singapore, creating many turnover ball.
2011-07-08
