Diamonds study Jamaica, but wary of Malawi

They’re studying Jamaica meticulously, but Australia are also keeping a close eye on Malawi as the fight for the Netball World Cup semi-finals remains open.

After booking their own semi-final spot on Wednesday night, the Diamonds used a match-free day on Thursday to formulate a strategy for Saturday’s clash, under the assumption they would likely face Jamaica.

The world No.4 Sunshine Girls were widely expected to cruise through their qualifying matches against Uganda and Malawi, which would lift them to second place in New Zealand’s Pool E and pit them against the Aussies, who will maintain their spot at the top of Pool F as long as they beat lowly Wales on Friday night.

Jamaica did beat Uganda on Thursday, but it was far from comfortable.

The tournament’s surprise packets, the world No.14 She Cranes, tested their far higher-ranked counterparts for much of the way to a flattering 59-47 scoreline, fighting neck-and-neck and levelling in the third quarter before their intensity faded.

Diamonds coach Lisa Alexander said she will watch Jamaica’s Friday fixture with Malawi intently, just in case the Queens spring a surprise similar to their near-derailing of the Silver Ferns on Tuesday.

“They’re just incredibly courageous and brave the way the go about their business and let the ball go to spaces that you just don’t think exist,” Alexander said.

“So you’ve got to really work very hard in defence against them. Certainly New Zealand had to work harder than they probably expected.

“We’ve got to keep (Malawi) in mind, but we’ve also got to get prepared for Jamaica as well.”

Jamaican spearhead Romelda Aiken wasn’t game to look further than that Malawi Test either.

“The trophy is up in the air at the moment,” the goal shooter said.

“No one is guaranteed the trophy, it’s just whoever shows up on the day to play their game will get the win.”

While preparing for all outcomes, the Diamonds have been busy picking apart Jamaica’s game.

Defender Bec Bulley was wary of the Caribbean stars’ new sense of on-court composure in addition to their raw athleticism and aerial skills, following the appointment of former Australia coach Jill McIntosh as technical director.

“They’re very patient, which is something that’s been brought into their game with Jill McIntosh, and having that influence,” she said.

“They have their own style of game. It’s not something that we’re used to.

“We’re used to that New Zealand style, that zone defence.

“We’re used to the Australian style which is hard one on one.”

But Bulley was confident her team’s midcourt height advantage could offset the attacking presence of the prolific Aiken and her fellow 198cm shooting star Jhaniele Fowler-Reid.

“Hopefully we can use that, get in front, force the ball up high so we can take those intercepts and turn it over.

“We don’t want to underestimate Jamaica, but I really think the game’s going to be won for us in the midcourt, and what we can do in there to get the ball through cleanly.”