Aussies, NZ send out strong messages

KINGSTON, Jamaica:  South Africa remained in contention  for a semi-final spot by beating the United States yesterday, while England kept their  unbeaten run in a win over Barbados at the 2003 Cable & Wireless 11th World Netball Championships at the National Sports Centre here. England defeated Barbados 80-27 in their most convincing display in three games, serving as good preparation for their big Group ‘B’ clash against New Zealand today. South Africa defeated the United States 54-38, and now effectively has to win their remaining group matches to guarantee a  place in Saturday’s semi-finals. The South Africans face Australia tomorrow, but in spite  of some spirited play in their three matches, the superior Aussies are widely expected to win against the fifth-ranked team on their way to back-to-back World Championship trophies. The eight-time world netball queens Australia and perennial runners-up New Zealand sent strong messages to the opposition with big victories late Sunday night.

The Aussies who are also Commonwealth champions, bidding for a ninth title, overwhelmed Samoa 76-27, and second-ranked New Zealand dominated Barbados for an 84-45 victory. In consolation group matches yesterday, Scotland beat Canada  50-38, Wales whipped Sri Lanka 54-46 and Northern Ireland prevailed over Grenada in an exciting close contest 45-42. St Lucia also defeated Hong Kong 64-33, led by perfect scores by Shern Maxwell, who coveted all of her 20 goals for a remarkable 100 percent record. Shooter Karen Joseph of Antigua was also near perfect as her team defeated the Cayman Islands 72-30. She scored a  game-high 39 goals from 41 attempts. The World Netball Champion-ships move to another level today when front-running teams begin to meet each other for the first time. Defending champions Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica and  England appear set to qualify for the semi-finals. The first genuine matchup takes place today when England meet New Zealand. The winners are likely to top Group B and avoid Australia.