Sunshine Girls place third at FastNet Series

LIVERPOOL, England (CMC):

Jamaica had to settle for third place, as New Zealand retained their FastNet World Series title with a virtual B-strength side yesterday.

The Jamaicans had installed themselves as favourites when they qualified for the semi-finals on Saturday, with the best record of 4-0-1 and topped the points standings with nine points.

But the New Zealanders, with whom they tied 27-27 the previous day in their final preliminary match, remained a thorn in their side in the first semi-final.

The Sunshine Girls lost in a heartbreaking finish, with the Silver Ferns edging them 29-28 to reach the final.

In the consolation final later in the day, Jamaica turned their fortunes around and toppled a depleted Australia side 30-29 to grab the bronze medal.

The result meant, however, the Jamaicans finished one place lower than last year when New Zealand stopped them in the final to clinch the inaugural title.

In the final, New Zealand continued their golden spurt with a 28-26 win over England.

Commonwealth winners

This victory follows their gold medal-winning triumph at last month's Commonwealth Games in India.

Six teams contested the FastNet World Series, which is a shortened version of the game, including rolling substitutions, double-point power plays, six-minute quarters and two-point goals from outside the circle.

Jamaica and hosts England fielded almost full-strength line-ups, as did Malawi and South Africa.

Both Australia and New Zealand rested their top line-ups for the tournament, as a testing Commonwealth Games campaign and next year's World Championship in Singapore dominate their priorities.