The Preliminary rounds comes to an end on day seven, and all twelve teams are in action. Here is what you can expect…
Pool B – New Zealand v England – (9am)
It’ll be an early start on the Gold Coast for both the Silver Ferns and the Roses. Both sides lead the way in Pool B. England have already qualified to the semi finals and have a 100% winning record so far. The Silver Ferns aren’t quite through yet. They will be in the last four should they avoid defeat, however, a loss to England could potentially open the door for Uganda and Malawi.
Pool A – South Africa v Barbados – (11am)
To Pool A next where third will play fourth. South Africa have a good record against Barbados at the Commonwealth Games, winning all three previous encounters. In Glasgow 2014 the Proteas were 57-36 winners. The Proteas scored 92 passed Fiji in their last game while Barbados lost a close fought game with Northern Ireland, 39-49.
Pool A – Northern Ireland v Fiji – (2pm)
Northern Ireland could move above Barbados if the Bajan Gems lose to South Africa and they beat Fiji. As for Fiji, they are still in search of their first win. This game will be the first time these two teams will play each other at the Commonwealth Games. Both sides last met in October during the Netball Europe Open, in which Northern Ireland were the victors.
Pool B – Uganda v Scotland – (4pm)
Uganda currently sit in third position in Pool B and have the potential to qualify for the semi finals should results go their way. Scotland currently sit in fifth in the pool and will be looking for their second win of the campaign. Both sides are fairly new to the netball action at the Commonwealth Games as Scotland made their debut in Glasgow 2014 while Uganda have made their debut during this tournament.
Pool B – Malawi v Wales – (7pm)
Malawi came away with a hard fought win on day six, beating Scotland by just one goal. Tournament top goal scorer Mwai Kumwenda, currently has 159 goals to her name. She was the top scorer in Glasgow 2014 with 230 and has the potential to better that return in the Gold Coast. Wales fought hard against Uganda on day six but were unable to get their first win. This will be the first time these sides will meet at the Commonwealth Games since Kuala Lumpur 1998, the first Commonwealth Games that netball featured in.
Pool A – Australia v Jamaica – (9pm)
The Preliminary rounds finish with two undefeated sides who will be battling for the top spot finish in Pool A. Both Australia and Jamaica have won all four of their games on the Gold Coast and have both qualified for the semi finals. Both teams have scored a combined total of 641 goals so far, and lead the way as the two highest scoring teams.
**Times above are local to Gold Coast.
Standings
Pool A
| 1. | Australia | |||||||
| 2. | Jamaica | |||||||
| 3. | South Africa | |||||||
| 4. | Northern Ireland | |||||||
| 5. | Barbados | |||||||
| 6. | Fiji |
Pool B
| 1. | England | |||||||
| 2. | New Zealand | |||||||
| 3. | Uganda | |||||||
| 4. | Malawi | |||||||
| 5. | Scotland | |||||||
| 6. | Wales |
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