Netball: Relax and you lose, coach tells Aussies

By JULIE ASH in Kingston

Australian coach Jill McIntosh spent last night drilling into her team the need for a 60-minute performance when they line up against New Zealand in today's final.

After a less than convincing win over Barbados in the quarter-finals, Australia's indifferent form continued against England yesterday.

Initially, the defending champions looked likely to run away with the game after leading 12-7 at the first break and then 26-14 at half-time.

But the Australian performance in the second half was far from perfect, and a series of errors allowed England to close the gap to 35-25 at the three-quarter break and 45-37 at fulltime.

Australia's shooting statistics were also of concern. They ended their match against England with 76 per cent compared to New Zealand's 90 per cent against Jamaica.

"I think we had a great first half, especially in that second quarter," McIntosh said.

"We really did some dumb things in that second half and stopped moving, and to England's credit they played well and forced us into error.

"I think we relaxed a bit and that is something we can't afford to do. It has to be a four-quarter sustained effort."

McIntosh said her team were disappointed with their performance in their last two games.

"Against Barbados it was just a scrappy game, but today by halftime they were in a really good position.

"They had done well and played well but I think they mentally relaxed off and allowed England to get back in and you can't do that."

The final will be special for Australia, as McIntosh, captain Kathryn Harby-Williams, Rebecca Sanders and Nicole Richardson are retiring after the world championship.

"It would be lovely to end on a winning note," McIntosh said.

"I just hope we play well and have a good game and if we play well what will be will be."

England coach Lyn Gunson said her side at least proved they deserved their place in the semifinals.

"It was one of lowest scores England have had against Australia and it was a great comeback," she said.

"The second half was very good for us and it showed the Australians could be rattled under pressure.

"Australia had to work to win, but they showed they have some class players and when the chips are down they will be hard to beat.

"Australia is a particularly fit side. I think they have saved some of their good players who will play in the final.

"I think Australia will be more comfortable playing New Zealand than they would have been Jamaica."

Jamaican coach Maureen Hall can't pick a winner.

Jamaica were beaten 48-43 by Australia in pool play before last night's 56-37 loss to New Zealand.

"I don't think the scoreline against us is an indication that New Zealand is going to win," she said.

"I think the encounters between both teams have been close and competitive in the past and I don't think we should expect anything less tomorrow.

"From a netball point of view and from an outside point of view I would like New Zealand to win.

"I think it would be good for netball if someone else won."