The crowd were ready early for the second last day of the tournament.

The NZ v England match had a lot of fire, in particular George and Sonia Mkoloma, who ended up in a mini pushing match mid court during the third quarter. New Zealand dominated and finished ahead by 15 goals.

The largely Australian crowd was already salivating towards the end of the match at the prospect of the Diamonds taking the court against the Sunshine Girls. After the previous days effort against Malawi, the fans wanted blood, sweat and tears pouring from their beloved Australian girls.

The Diamonds did not disappoint.

What had been missing all week was on show today, the Diamonds defensive duo of Fuhrman and Corletto were instrumental against the tall timber of Aiken and Fowler.

Australia had established an winning position at ¾ quarter time, affording Norma Plummer the luxury of giving the bench players some court time, bringing on Geitz, Pitman and Basset (Bell was substituted on the court with 5 mins to spare).

The final margin was 36 goals.

Despite the finals atmosphere, the action at the netball was almost surpassed tonight as an intimate group of 20-odd were hosted by Vicki Wilson at Vansh, an Indian inspired restaurant bar, in a private room discussing netball, both past and present.

Vicki invited 4 special guests to partake in the exclusive event;

• Jill McIntosh; former Australian netball head coach
• Dominique Harverson; former South African national representative
• Bronwyn Roberts; former Australian team Manager
• Julie Seymour; former New Zealand captain and national representative

Each special guest took turns fielding questions from Vicki and providing a unique, but more importantly, personable insight in their time at the elite level.

The Sportsnet group were privy to Dominique discussing Irene Van Dyk’s defection to New Zealand and the backlash the followed, Julie talking through her experience in the recent Christchurch earthquake, even Jill putting forward her strong views on how well the history of netball is promoted (or rather, not) in Australia.

No one was left hungry throughout the event, with an exquisite array of food continuously brought through the room including infused mushrooms, succulent spiced chicken and a delicious, melt in your mouth lamb. To wash it all down the group were served a selection of beers, wines and soft drinks.

To say the event was ‘exclusive’ is an understatement given the calibre of guests, as well as the informal discussions that played out, including the all-star 7 from the tournament that each special guest thought would be the ultimate team.

The event was simply… once in a lifetime.

W.O.W

What a fantastic couple of days it has been here in Singapore at the World Netball Championships!

From coaches’ sons being ousted in the media for being, well, a little ‘careless’ with his direction, shall we say (http://www.theage.com.au/travel/travel-incidents/netball-coachs-son-outed-as-jetstar-urinator-20110705-1gzmx.html) to record high scores ON court (97 by Australia), and record high temperatures OFF the court, Singapore has definitely been living up to expectations for those here with Sportsnet.

Sportsnet took some time out yesterday morning and headed on up the Marina Bay Sands Skydeck to check out the view from above – and what a I view it is! Completely clear views, 360C, of Singapore… not to mention the infinity pool with the same view on the other side of the hotel!

This morning saw the Sportsnet group journey out of the city limits and take in an exclusive Diamonds training session, watching routines, players discussing setups, structures, match ups and more. Injured former skipper Sharelle McMahon was on hand to greet the Sportsnet group as they entered the stadium and took their places, while Australian legend and Sportsnet NWC tour ambassador Vicki Wilson explained throughout the session the logic and reasons behind the training regime.

Impressive during training was youngster Sharni Layton and newer Australian squad members Erin Bell and Chelsea Pittman. Needless to say it was an interesting and educational experience for netball fans, in particular the girls from St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School, taking in the skills on show and the intensity required to make it to the top of their sport on the world stage.

Coach Norma Plummer took time out afterwards to spend time discussing her role as coach with the group, as well as discussing her reasons behind the selections made for the World Championship squad.

Following the Q&A with Norma Plummer, the squad made themselves available for a signing and photo session, each of the Sportsnet group waiting in line patiently for their favourite stars autographs on pictures, programs, balls, shirts and more…

On the tournamet front, predictably, the Silver Ferns and Diamonds have been taking turns setting benchmark high scores against weaker opponents, but it’s the form of England that has the Singapore Indoor Stadium crowd talking a possible upset against the all conquering New Zealanders, should they meet as anticipated, in the semis.