England’s netball team fell to a 61-54 defeat to New Zealand in the semi-finals of the Commonwealth Games.
Anna Stembridge’s team tried to stay on their opponents’ toes from late in the first quarter onwards, but the clash was always an uphill battle for The Roses, with them unable to take the lead over the Silver Ferns at any point.
New Zealand’s attack ultimately proved too strong, with Grace Nweke on fire in attack at Glasgow’s Hydro.
By the end of the third quarter it was clear England were defeated, with a double figure deficit remaining with seven minutes to go.
A late flurry of goals with little response from the Silver Ferns brought the final score much closer.
An emotional Eleanor Cardwell, who was brought on early for England, said to TNT Sports: “I feel that we threw everything at it today, but they were the better team.
“I am a little bit disappointed with how we performed. I know we can do better.
“We are all about responses, so we are going to go back to the drawing board.
England couldn’t catch New Zealand on Saturday morning
“I don’t want that feeling again [of missing out on bronze in 2022], that’s going to fuel the fire. We have got to get a medal around our neck, there’s no question about it.
“We have to work our a***** off.”
England still have the opportunity to claim bronze, and will take on the loser of the other semi-final between defending champions Australia and Jamaica later on Saturday.
New Zealand, meanwhile, are in the final of the Commonwealth Games for the first time since 2014.
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