Diamonds win gold in Birmingham

The historical win also marks the first gold medal for our four Diamonds in Kiera Austin, Kate Moloney, Jo Weston and Liz Watson with the latter two taking home silver in 2018 Games on the Gold Coast.

Having played Jamaica earlier in the tournament, the Aussies were faced with a challenge and stood up from the opening minutes against the Sunshine Girls with captain Liz Watson leading the way in wing attack. Her drive to circle edge, composed nature and pinpoint passes proved hard to stop finishing with 24 goal assists to her name while her defensive pressure was also sky-high recording two gains and a deflection.

Partner in crime, Kate Moloney was sensational through the centre with her dogged style of defence coming to the fore and a game changing pick-up in the dying moments of the fourth quarter. Moloney niggled around circle edge and constantly put her body on the line to regain possession while her attacking nous was also on show credit to her deft passes into the goalers.

Weston had a strong opening half with her hands over pressure and fancy footwork enabling her to create havoc in the defensive circle against Jamaica. Her work through transition was also key.

Returning from an ACL injury, Austin played a key role throughout the Diamonds campaign with her versatility shining through to move between wing attack and goal attack to provide that extra spark.

Over in the Qualification matches, it was Malawi that took home the chocolates in their clash against Wales 62-56. Despite a sluggish start, the Queens found their way forward in the second quarter wrestling their way in front thanks to some quality shooting from Mwai Kumwenda who stacked on a phenomenal 49/50 goals for the entire match. The win saw Malawi secure seventh spot.