AUCKLAND, New Zealand — Jamaica's Sunshine Girls again endured contrasting fates here yesterday, losing to England but edging Australia on the second day of the Fast5 Netball World Series.

They went down to England 28-39 but recovered to sneak past Australia 34-33 at the Vector Arena.

In their opening fixture, Jamaica rebounded from a 3-11 first-quarter deficit to lead England 17-16 at half-time.

However, England outscored the Jamaicans, 18-4, to post a 34-21 lead at the end of the third stanza, before going to seal victory.

Goal shoot Jhaniele Fowler led Jamaica's efforts with 13 goals from 18 attempts.

In their final game, the Sunshine Girls survived a final-quarter surge to edge the Australians. The contest was tied at 8-8 after the first quarter, but the Sunshine Girls had sneaked ahead, 18-14, at the half. They then extended their advantage through a strong third quarter to lead, 28-19.

Australia unleashed a big final quarter effort to outscore Jamaica, 14-6, but they just came up short in the end.

Fowler was on target for the Jamaicans with 25 from 27 attempts.

Jamaica remain in contention for the title and in the words of relieved Coach Oberon Pitterson-Nattie, "It wasn't pretty this win, but a win's a win. I've been saying from home that this tournament is a tournament that is up for grabs and throughout the two days it has proven that it is so."

The Jamaicans will meet New Zealand in one semi-final, while England will play South Africa in the other this afternoon.

— CMC/Observer