A goal with the last shot of the game from Jhanielle Fowler saw Jamaica defeat the Australian Fast5 Diamonds in the last game of the round robin phase of the Fast5 Netball World Series in Auckland.
Fowler converted her shot from a penalty under the post after the final whistle to break the hearts of the Australians, who had come from nine points down at three-quarter time to set up a thrilling finish.
The match started evenly as both sides were reluctant to shoot from beyond the point scoring zones with the two teams opting to play a more traditional style of netball as opposed to the high risk Fast5 style.
After neither side missed a shot in the opening six-minute quarter, Karyn Howarth put the Australians ahead by two points after scoring a two-point goal with the first shot of the second quarter.
Jamaican shooter Anna-Kay Griffiths responded with a Super Goal with seconds remaining in the second quarter to see her side assume an 18-14 lead at half-time.
The Sunshine Girls extended their advantage in the third quarter courtesy of the Powerplay however the Australians were able to limit Jamaica to just ten points during the six-minute quarter when goals were worth double.
Leading by nine points going into the fourth quarter, the Jamaicans did what they could to deny the Australians possession during their Powerplay, however consistent shooting under the post saw the Fast5 Diamonds level the scores with ten seconds remaining.
But a quick centre pass from Jamaica and a penalty under the post ended any hope of a draw from the Australians, who will tomorrow contest the 5th/6th Playoff after finishing the round robin phase without a victory.
South Africa hang on to beat Australians
The Australian Fast5 Diamonds face an uphill battle to qualify for the semi-finals after going down 28-27 to South African Fast5 SPAR Proteas on the second day of the Fast5 Netball World Series in Auckland.
A 16-point third quarter Powerplay saw the South African’s turn a five point half-time deficit into what would prove to be a match winning advantage, and ensure the Australians remain winless after four games.
A Super Goal from South Africa’s Maria Holtzhausen in the last minute of the first quarter put her side ahead 6-5 at quarter-time after little could separate the two teams with the Fast5 Diamonds and Fast5 Proteas sharing goals.
But six straight points from the Fast5 Diamonds in the second quarter, while defenders Chanel Gomes and April Letton held the South Africans to just one goal, meant the Australians took a 12-7 into half-time.
Trailing by five points at half-time, a Super Goal and two two-point goals from Chrisna Bootha and Holtzhausen, worth double during the Powerplay, saw the South African’s take a 23-17 lead into three-quarter time.
The Australians couldn’t reel in the Proteas during their fourth quarter Powerplay despite two two-point goals from Caitlin Thwaites as South Africa hung on to win their first Netball World Series game against Australia.
Australia’s final game of the round robin comes against Jamaica at 6.00pm (AEDT).
