Australia thrash England to win record 12th netball World Cup
Australia delivered a dominant display to win the netball World Cup for the 12th time, regaining the crown with a clinical and classy 61-45 victory over England in the final in Cape Town.
The Diamonds were far more ruthless and precise than in their one-goal loss to England on Thursday in the group stages and Sunday’s final was effectively over at three-quarter time once Australia had surged into a 10-goal lead.
Australia converted more turnovers into goals than England, with circle defenders Courtney Bruce and Jo Weston particularly outstanding.
Inspired by some of the comments emanating from the England camp after their group defeat, the Diamonds delivered one of their best performances, according to their retiring star Ash Brazill after her final match.
“For the last 10 minutes, I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face,” Brazill said.
“England beat us in the rounds and everyone loved targeting us. Helen (Housby, the England star) said they were fitter and more energetic than us and that just got everyone fighting.
“We really wanted to beat Jamaica (in the semi-final) so we could play against these guys again, and we’ve done it the way we wanted to. The last two games were some of the best netball we’ve played in a long time.
Liz Watson in action in Sunday’s final in Cape Town. AP
“I’m so proud of these girls. The fact we’re standing here as world champions, I just couldn’t wish for a better ending. I’ll never play netball again – how can I top this?”
Coach Stacey Marinkovich named the same starting seven for the third straight game, but replaced both shooters in the second quarter.
“That’s the class of this group that I can turn to anybody and they will come out and play their role, and they’ve done it all across the
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