It was the ending no-one predicted: Australia, netball silver medallists at the Commonwealth Games, England champions of the tournament.
In a brutal, one-on-one contest, the Diamonds succumbed to a smothering English defence that slowed the team’s trademark speed, clogged the mid-court and shut down the best goal shooter in the world, Caitlin Bassett.
For almost the entirety of the match there was nothing to split them. Australia led by one after the first quarter, but England had levelled to 25-25 by half-time.
Cheered on by a sea of gold and green in the 8,000-strong crowd, Australia then began to assert their dominance in the second half. Their lead stretched to four at the start of the final quarter, but just as it looked like the match had swung one way, England fought back to gain parity a few minutes later.
Then came the moment that will be replayed for many years to come. Jo Harten’s missed shot landed fortunately into Helen Housby’s hands and the England goal shooter took aim. She too missed, but the umpire’s whistle sounded and a penalty was awarded against the Australian defence. Housby was not going to let the second opportunity slip through her grasp, and somehow England pulled off the unthinkable in the most dramatic fashion possible.
Games’ debutant and Diamond’s key defender Jo Weston recaps her experience on the Gold Coast:
The time I spent at the Commonwealth Games was eventful to say the least. From our team camp over Easter in Mooloolaba which was fabulous footwork practice trying to avoid kids set loose during school holidays. To playing a shooting game at the venue familiarisation with 2 other defenders which took 30 minutes to finish (I think we should stick to what we know and I'll keep them anonymous to protect their dignity).
One of the toughest decisions was that of choosing between the skirt or pant options for the Team Aus events, maybe it's due to the frequency of us playing in a dress but for me it was skirt, every time.
One of the toughest experiences of my entire sporting career was the short turnaround to our medal ceremony after the final game. Perspective is something that comes with time, so to feel grateful and proud instantaneously of the silver medal we won post an agonising 1 goal loss was really challenging. However bittersweet the ending, the entire two weeks were surreal and something I wouldn't change for the world.
