Keeping Gilly pleased

Kiwi loss a wake-up call Life’s a beach for pair

AUSTRALIAN coach Lisa Alexander says giant-killing Malawi has done the Diamonds a favour.

Malawi’s stunning 57-53 victory against New Zealand on Sunday night was the biggest upset in Games history.

It also doubled as a not-sosubtle alert to Australia that it should keep the pedal to the metal – regardless of its rival.

And that’s what the Diamonds did yesterday when they smashed injury-hit minnow Fiji in a 108-23 cakewalk at the Convention Centre. It was the third biggest score since netball was introduced to the Games in 1998 and the first time since the 2010 Games Australia scored 100. AUSTRALIA remain undefeated in men’s beach volleyball after an easy 21-13 21-16 win over Trinidad and Tobago.

Chris McHugh and Damien Schumann will head into today’s quarter-final with all the momentum after topping Pool A.

They needed to beat Daneil Williams and Daynte Stewart to do it though, who were also undefeated coming into the clash on Coolangatta Beach.

But the Australians were too classy for them and never really got out of second gear.

The first set was over in 19 minutes and the second even shorter as the Ausssies came off a match against St Kitts and Nevis that lasted 32 minutes. A PRE-fight text from cricket great Adam Gilchrist has inspired Australian boxer Caitlin Parker to move within sight of a dream gold medal.

Parker guaranteed herself at least a bronze on the Gold Coast after upsetting favourite and former European champion Natasha Gale in their 75kg quarter-final yesterday.

She later revealed a message from one of her mentors, the former Aussie Test keeper, had her fired up in the ring.

“Congrats on making the Australian team and wishing you all the best for a great Games. We’ll be watching with lots of pride and you’ll do great. Trust your training, Gilly,” the text read.