Sunshine Girls win back-to-back silver medals at Commonwealth Games

Jamaica's Sunshine Girls have clinched their second consecutive silver medal in netball at the Commonwealth Games, following a 56-48 defeat to the world number two-ranked New Zealand Silver Ferns in Glasgow, Scotland. The final match on Sunday saw the Jamaican team fall short against a dominant New Zealand side.

This silver medal marks Jamaica's fifth overall in netball at the Commonwealth Games. The loss to New Zealand in the final was a repeat of their earlier encounter in Pool B, where the Silver Ferns also emerged victorious with a 53-48 scoreline. The Sunshine Girls' performance contributed significantly to Jamaica's overall medal tally, which also includes 19 medals won in track and field events.

In the bronze medal match preceding the final, Australia defeated England 68-50. This result was notable as it marked the first time in the history of the Commonwealth Games that Australia, a four-time champion, did not compete in the gold medal game.

The final saw New Zealand take an early lead, finishing the first quarter at 16-13. Despite Jamaica tying the score twice in the third quarter, New Zealand maintained control, ultimately extending their lead to as many as 10 goals in the fourth quarter. New Zealand's Goal Shooter Grace Nweke was instrumental, scoring 48 goals from 54 attempts. For Jamaica, Romelda Aiken-George led the scoring with 32 goals from 36 attempts, while Shanice Beckford added 16 goals from 18 tries. Aiken-George faced constant defensive pressure, being marked by two players whenever she received the ball.

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Jamaica’s Romelda Aiken-George (left) tries to block a shot from a New Zealand player (right) during a Fast5 Series match at Christchurch Arena in New Zealand in 2023. Jamaica’s Kimone Shaw looks on.