Gibbons can’t save Scotland

Renfrew’s Ella Gibbons was in action as Scotland’s netball side were sunk by the Auld Enemy.

Gibbons played in the second and third quarter of the Thistles’ 74-28 defeat at the Commonwealth Games in Australia.

Both sides were fired up for their opening match at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.

There was no period of tentatively testing the waters for either side as each team went full throttle from the first whistle.

The Thistles, who are currently ranked ninth in the world, put the Roses under pressure from the off and were defending wholeheartedly as a unit. But England remained patient and opened up a 14-6 lead.

The Thistles were threatening in and around the final third but the experienced defensive duo of Ama Agbeze and Geva Mentor proved a thorn in their side and Scotland failed to capitalise with an overcooked pass handing possession back to the Roses.

England continued to dominate and despite a number of changes for Tracey Neville’s side, Scotland were unable to capitalise.

Scotland enjoyed some good passages of play, though, with Niamh McCall bringing the Thistles’ tally up to 20.

The Roses stretched further ahead in the closing stages with assured defending, pinpoint passing and sharp shooting ensuring a comfortable victory.