Australia Beats Jamaica in First Netball Game

Australia's netball team, the Diamonds, won the first game against Jamaica with a score of 72-41. This is the first of three games in the series. The Diamonds played well and started strong.
By Newsroom | Netball, Australia |

Australian Diamonds Secure Strong Victory Over Sunshine Girls

The Origin Australian Diamonds have opened their three-test series against the Jamaican Sunshine Girls with a commanding win, securing the first match 72-41. The encounter, held at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, saw the Australian team establish an early lead and maintain consistent pressure throughout the game.

This series represents a key point for both teams, with the Diamonds using it as an opportunity to test combinations and prepare for upcoming international events, while Jamaica faces a challenge to elevate their performance against the world's top-ranked nation.

‘Need to step up’: Great’s brutal warning for Jamaica as Diamonds dominate: Netball LIVE - 1

Series Context and Recent Encounters

The Origin Diamonds are hosting the Jamaican Sunshine Girls for a three-test series in February 2026. The series began in Adelaide on February 5th, followed by matches in Perth on February 8th and Melbourne on February 11th.

Read More: Australia Netball Team Wins Series Against Jamaica

Recent history between these two nations highlights a competitive dynamic:

‘Need to step up’: Great’s brutal warning for Jamaica as Diamonds dominate: Netball LIVE - 2

  • February 5, 2026: The Origin Australian Diamonds defeated Jamaica 72-41 in the first test of the series in Adelaide.

  • August 4, 2022: Jamaica achieved an upset victory over Australia, winning 57-55 in a Commonwealth Games pool match. This result led to a spotlight on Australian tactics.

  • August 5, 2023: Australia defeated Jamaica to advance to the Netball World Cup final.

Additionally, a December 2025 series between England and Jamaica showcased England's dominance, with scores of 80-37 and 81-30, though Jamaica was noted as being a weakened or inexperienced side during these matches.

Evidence of the First Test Performance

The first test on February 5th, 2026, demonstrated Australia's tactical execution and offensive prowess.

‘Need to step up’: Great’s brutal warning for Jamaica as Diamonds dominate: Netball LIVE - 3

  • The Diamonds established an early 6-0 lead, setting a strong pace for the match.

  • At quarter-time, Australia held a 16-10 advantage, with shooters Sophie Garbin and Kiera Austin performing strongly, both having perfect shooting records in the first half.

  • By halftime, the lead extended to 34-22.

  • The Diamonds further solidified their position by leading 54-30 at the final change, ultimately winning 72-41.

  • Australia's relentless pressure was a significant factor, forcing errors from the Jamaican team and disrupting their connections across the court.

  • Key players noted for their impact included Sophie Garbin, Kiera Austin, and Latanya Wilson.

Diamonds' Tactical Approach and Player Focus

The Australian Diamonds have been deliberate in their squad selection and strategic preparation for this series.

Squad Reinforcements and Defensive Strategy

  • Defender Matilda Garrett was added to the squad for the Jamaica series. This move was made to bolster the defensive options following an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury to Sunday Aryang during a recent test against New Zealand.

  • The team's tactical adjustments aim to address defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in managing the threat of Jamaican shooters like Jhaniele Fowler, who has previously caused significant challenges for the Diamonds.

Testing Combinations for Future Events

  • The series is being utilized by the Diamonds to evaluate different player combinations and potential team structures.

  • This preparation is viewed as a stepping stone towards assembling a predicted squad for the Commonwealth Games.

Jamaica's Performance and Challenges

Jamaica's performance in the first test indicated struggles in maintaining consistency and executing their game plan against the top-ranked Australian team.

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‘Need to step up’: Great’s brutal warning for Jamaica as Diamonds dominate: Netball LIVE - 4

Impact of Player Availability

  • There is a notable disparity in recent results between Jamaica and other nations, with some reports suggesting that Jamaica has competed with weakened or inexperienced sides in certain matches (e.g., December 2025 series against England).

  • While not explicitly stated for the February 5th match, the team's captain's absence due to pregnancy was noted in a previous series.

Stated Objectives and On-Court Efforts

  • Despite the scoreline, Jamaican players have previously expressed a strong drive, with a quote from August 2022 stating, "We're here for the gold."

  • In the first test, Jamaica showed moments of resilience, managing to narrow the deficit to three goals at one point, demonstrating an ability to rebound within the game.

Expert and Media Commentary

Commentary surrounding the series has focused on the Diamonds' strength and Jamaica's need to adapt.

Read More: Diamonds vs. Jamaica: Is Australia Hiding a Secret Weakness?

"The Origin Australian Diamonds sealed the first Jamaica Series test 72-41 at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre. A hot start from the Origin Australian Diamonds set the tone for a fiery clash between Australia and Jamaica, with Australia running out victors 72-41." - Brave Netball

"It was the Diamonds’ non-stop pressure that forced errors from Jamaica, testing connections up and down the court." - Brave Netball

"Will the Diamonds test out combinations or prepare a predicted Commonwealth Games squad?" - Netball.com.au

Findings and Future Implications

The initial match of the February 2026 series clearly indicated the Australian Diamonds' superior performance and tactical execution against the Jamaican Sunshine Girls. Australia's ability to exert consistent pressure and capitalize on offensive opportunities resulted in a decisive victory.

  • Dominant Start: The Diamonds' immediate strong start and sustained pressure were pivotal to the outcome.

  • Key Player Performances: Individual performances from Australian shooters and defenders were significant contributors to the win.

  • Jamaica's Response: While Jamaica showed flashes of competitive spirit, they ultimately struggled to contain Australia's dominance.

  • Series Trajectory: This result places Australia in a strong position within the series. Future matches will likely reveal whether Jamaica can adapt their strategy and improve their performance against the world number one team. The series continues to serve as a critical evaluation period for the Australian team in preparation for broader international competitions.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who won the first netball game between Australia and Jamaica?
Australia won the first game. The score was 72-41.
Q: Where was the game played?
The game was played in Adelaide, Australia.
Q: What is the score of the series?
Australia is leading the series 1-0.
Q: What is the next game?
The next game is in Perth on February 8th.