Severn Stars player Jodie Gibson and her England teammates have reached the semi-finals of the Commonwealth Games after a record 54-45 win over New Zealand.
The England Roses put in an outstanding performance in Australia in the early hours of Wednesday (UK time) to record their largest ever victory over the Kiwi’s.
Jodie Gibson watched from the bench but enjoyed the victory no less than the travelling England supporters to see the side beat New Zealand for the second time in 2018 after the Quad Series in January.
The win means Gibson’s side top Pool B ahead of New Zealand after going unbeaten so far in the competition. The Severn Stars player posted about her pride on Twitter after the result.
“We played with passion, pride and determination. I am so proud of my team.”
They will face Jamaica in the semi-finals for a chance to reach the final for the first time in the history of the commonwealth games.
It was tight from the very beginning with both teams showing their qualities offensively and defensively. There was absolutely nothing to separate them after the first quarter as it finished 13-all.
The second quarter was just as close, but thanks to quick thinking and clever turnovers England edged it going into the halftime break 24-26.
The third quarter was pivotal. Thanks to the sharp-shooting of Jo Harten and Helen Housby, who both play for Australian clubs, the lead was extended to five.
New Zealand failed to fight back and it was evident that the difference was the clinical nature of England’s finishing. The Roses finished the game with a much higher shot-conversion percentage.
The other semi-final will be played between Pool A table-toppers Australia and Pool B runners-up New Zealand. The two traditionally battle it out for the gold medal in the final however, for the first time in commonwealth games history, only one of them will be able to get there.
Despite coming close, only missing out on goal-difference, Scotland failed to reach finish in the top two places of Pool B.
Jamaica, who have often shared the bronze medal place with England over the years, are in a similar position to the Roses in that if they reach the final, it will be their first time.
It is the usual final four, but due to England producing a number of high level performances, there is a new shape to what will be a very intriguing last few games of the competition.
Jodie Gibson showed her delight at the performance and the result on Twitter following the win.
We played with passion, pride and determination. I am so proud of my team. The support from everyone has been incredible throughout this journey and it’s not over yet #GC2018Netball @TeamEngland pic.twitter.com/eJTunjsItr
— Jodie Gibson (@missgibsonx) April 11, 2018
