England enjoy an easy ride against Irish

Netball

England won their second match in two days at the World Championships in Birmingham when they crushed Northern Ireland 56-27 yesterday. England, who thrashed Barbados 61-29 on Saturday, have never lost to Northern Ireland and they did not look like surrendering that record, even though they rested five top players, including their captain Kendra Slawinski.

The pattern of the match was set quickly as England pressed home their advantage in fitness and technique. Lisa Topliss enjoyed herself in the goal-shooting position. Her Irish counterpart, Joanne Skehin, had to concede more than six inches to her marker, Cynthia Duncan, and had a torrid time.

England might have cast their eyes warily across to the neighbouring court, where the much-fancied Australian team were opening their account with a 90-23 rout of St Vincent.

Results, Sporting Digest, page 23