THE Sunshine Girls failed in their bid to add to Jamaica’s medal tally at the 19th Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India following a humiliating 47-70 defeat to England in their bronze medal netball match at the Thyagaraj Sports Complex yesterday.

The defeat capped what turned out to be a disappointing trip for the Girls, who went into the tournament with the hope of at least equaling their third-place finish attained at the 2002 Games in Manchester, England.

But after failing to spark in their games against the ‘big two’ — Australia and New Zealand — it became evident that they would have a difficult task containing the English, who showed lots of determination throughout the competition, even in the face of defeat.

Reports coming out of the Sunshine Girls’ camp are that the Connie Francis-coached unit fought gallantly early in the contest, but conceded defeat the moment things started to fall apart.

They led, 5-4, inside the first five minutes, but were repelled by the English attacking duo of Pamela Cookey and Jo Harten, who was incidentally replaced at the quarter stage by standout shooter Louisa Brownfield.

The English took a one-point advantage (15-14) into the first break and showed no sign of giving it up after posting second and third quarter scores of 33-23 and 50-38, respectively.

Not even a masterful performance at the hoop from captain Simone Forbes (24 from 26) and Romelda Aiken (23 from 26) could bring the Sunshine Girls back into the game.

Meantime, the New Zealand ‘Silver Ferns’ retained the netball title after a double overtime 66-64 victory against Oceana neighbours Australia in the gold medal match.

Jamaica ended the Games with seven medals — two gold, four silver and one bronze — all of which were mined in athletics.

Jamaica — Romelda Aiken (GS) (Jhaniele Fowler), Simone Forbes (GA), Nadine Bryan (WA), Kimone Tulloch (C) (Paula Thompson), Georgia Gordon (WD) (Sasher-Gaye Henry), Althea Byfield (GK) (Nicole Aiken), Kasey Evering (GD).

Sub not used: Anna-Kay Griffiths.