Commonwealth Games 2022: Australian Diamonds knock England out of the race for gold medal with semifinal win

Australia waited four long years for redemption and they didn’t waste a second as they bundled defending champions England out of gold medal contention on their home soil.

After losing to the Roses on the Gold Coast in 2018, everyone was waiting for the Diamonds’ re-match against England and it didn’t disappoint.

In one of the most physical international netball matches in recent history, Australia held their nerve against a rampaging England to win 60-51 and head to the final against Jamaica.

Australian goal shooter Gretel Bueta was near on unstoppable, scoring 43 goals from 44 attempts to lead the Diamonds to victory.

Bueta’s chemistry with goal attack Steph Wood (17 goals from 20 attempts) was dynamic as the Diamonds dominated the first half, with the visitors leading by six goals at half-time.

The Diamonds extended this lead to 11 goals midway through the third term, as England’s coaching staff threw as many changes as they could to stifle Australia’s momentum.

Camera Icon Gretel Bueta starred for Australia against England defenders including Layla Guscoth. Credit: DARREN ENGLAND/AAPIMAGE

West Australian Courtney Bruce was at the centre of plenty of physicality against England shooting duo Eleanor Cardwell and Jo Harten, with all three giving out as good as they got.

Down by nine goals at the final break, it was going to take something incredible for the Roses to make the gold medal match.

They looked as if they were going to threaten to steal the victory, with Bruce receiving a warning for her physicality as England pulled themselves back into the match.

Australia held their nerve in attack and Bueta was outstanding under the post with her composure to ensure her side would contend for the gold medal in the early hours of Monday morning.