Opals comprehensively defeat England

The Australian women’s basketball team has continued their winning form, comprehensively defeating England by a whopping 52 points.

With only Commonwealth Gold missing from the bulging trophy cabinet, the Opals appear well on the way to achieving their goal, having clinically disposed of India, Mozambique and now England.

After a solid first half, the Australian girls turned it on after the long break, scoring 48 points to 15, with the dynamic co-skipper Lauren Jackson scoring a team high 31 points.

The experience of fellow co-captain Jenny Whittle saw her gather a game high total of 11 rebounds, as well as drifting up court to score six points.

Opal Erin Phillips was in fine form, scoring 13 points, while Katrina Hibbert and Hollie Grima chipped in with 10 apiece.

The best for the English was Shelly Boston, who managed a team high 12 points and seven rebounds, while Kristy Lavin impressed in scoring 10 points and racking up six rebounds.

Australia appeared simply too skilful across the court, and continue to firm their status as the competition favourite to take out the Gold; the side certain to top the Pool C table.

The Opals will now go into the upcoming finals series brimming with confidence, an aura about them fast developing. Their English counterparts will go through to the semi finals, but where they go from there remains to be seen.

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