No Fast5 final for NZ, Aussies

The two heavyweights of world netball won’t feature in the final of the Fast5 Netball World Series in Melbourne.

Australia and the Silver Ferns were knocked out of title contention yesterday, with England and Jamaica reaching last night’s grand final.

The Silver Ferns had two losses

(37-30 to England and 40-30 to Australia) and a win (40-26 over South Africa) on Saturday, so needed to beat Jamaica yesterday to keep their hopes alive.

But Jamaica won the game

30-23, so New Zealand’s last roundrobin game against Malawi was a dead rubber.

Australia also needed to win yesterday, as victory over England would have placed Australia in the box seat to secure a spot in the gold medal match, but they were beaten

28-19.

Having also lost to Jamaica on Saturday, the Australians needed other results to go their way to stay alive but Jamaica then ended their chances by beating New Zealand.

England and Jamaica remain the only two undefeated teams and were playing in the final roundrobin match.

After tallying 40 points in a commanding win over New Zealand on Saturday night, Australia finished with their lowest score of the tournament as stout English defence forced them into 18 turnovers.

England shooter Helen Housby had a strong influence, providing some key scoring moments to inspire the visitors.

A member of the NSW Swifts in the Super Netball competition, Housby nailed a super shot to close out England’s third quarter power play then added three goals in the final term to close out the win.

With honours even after the first period, Australia outscored England 8-3 in the power play second quarter and were poised to take a narrow lead into the final term before Housby’s late sixpointer swung the contest.

‘‘It’s been brilliant,’’ said England midcourter Beth Cobden of England’s performances over the weekend. ‘‘Everyone’s really enjoyed it. We’ve had a great week and it’s been really good vibes in the team so I think that’s showing on court.’’

Australia won their final roundrobin match 31-18 against South African, who opened the second day of play with their first win in a

28-26 victory over Malawi.

As well as the final between top two sides Jamaica and England, there will also be a playoff for third and fourth, and fifth and sixth.