Jamaica stun Australia in semifinal thriller at Commonwealth Games

GLASGOW, Scotland – History was rewritten at The Hydro on Saturday as Jamaica shattered Australia’s netball dynasty, defeating the four-time reigning champions 46-45 in a breathtaking semi-final to book their place in the Commonwealth Games gold medal match.

For the first time, the world No 1 Diamonds will not contest the final, their hopes crushed in a nerve-shredding finish that left a capacity crowd, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, on the edge of their seats.

In a contest that swung like a pendulum, the Sunshine Girls drew first blood, edging the opening quarter 13-10 against the stunned Australians.

But the champions, as they have done for decades, clawed their way back, and the match entered the final period deadlocked at 35-35. What followed was a masterclass in composure under pressure.

Jamaican captain Shamera Sterling-Humphrey was impervious, a relentless defensive wall whose crucial interceptions time and again disrupted Australia’s rhythm.

With shooters Romelda Aiken and Shanice Beckford firing on all cylinders, Jamaica surged four points clear as the clock became the Diamonds’ fiercest enemy.

Australia, fuelled by desperation, mounted one last charge. A pinpoint finish from Cara Koenen cut the deficit to a solitary point with just 36 seconds remaining.

As Jamaica attempted to ice the game, Sophie Dwyer rose for a potential equaliser at the death. But her shot clattered off the rim, and with it, Australia’s streak of eight successive Commonwealth Games finals evaporated into the Glasgow air.

“We knew we had it in us. We’re carrying a bit of vengeance from the last Games,” said an elated Sterling-Humphrey, who was named player of the match.

“People always say big players have to step up in big games, and I’m glad I did that today. More importantly, we played as a real unit. We’ve graduated from bronze medals; we didn’t want bronze this year.”

The victory is sweet redemption for Jamaica as they face New Zealand in Sunday’s final, after the Silver Ferns dispatched England 61-54 in the earlier semi-final.

But for Sterling-Humphrey and her history-making squad, the mission is clear. “We know New Zealand will be a tough challenge, but we’ll battle them the same way we battled Australia today. We’re going to fight until the very end.”

CMC