KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s Sunshine Girls remained in contention for a place in the semi-finals of the netball competition at the 23rd Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland after a close two goals 45-43 win over host Scotland in their Pool B game at the Hydro Arena on Wednesday.

Scotland, who are ranked 10th in the world, urged on a loud home crowd, outscored Jamaica 28-20 between the second and third quarters and led early in the fourth quarter before the experience of the Jamaicans gave them the edge.

Jamaica who were winning back-to-back games after a loss to New Zealand are still leaders in Pool B with six points, same as New Zealand who have won all three games played so far.

Jamaica started well and led 15-9 after the first quarter before Scotland rallied to cut the deficit to four goals 27-23 at half time then outscored Jamaica 12-8 to tie up the scores at 35-all at the end of the third quarter.

Scotland’s momentum carried over into the fourth quarter when they took the lead but they were unable to build on it and allowed Jamaica back into the contest.

Azara Wilmot, in only her third game with the senior team, came off the bench to score 28 goals from 35 attempts; Shanice Beckford scored 15 goals from 18 attempts and Rhea Dixon scored two from four.

Emma Barrie scored 22 goals from 27 attempts for Scotland and Niamh McCall scored 21 from 26.

Meanwhile Jamaica’s women’s 3×3 basketball team were beaten 21-8 by Australia in their semi-final game also played on Wednesday.

Jamaica will now meet New Zealand in the bronze medal play-offs also on Wednesday.

— Paul A Reid