Scotland fall narrowly short of greatest ever victory at Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games as hosts lose to Jamaica

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Scotland fell narrowly short of the greatest result in their netball history as Jamaica edged out a 45-43 win against the hosts at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

‘I just need a quick drink’ – Umpire halts netball match in bizarre scenes

Video credit: TNT Sports

Jamaica went about business as usual as their rotated side showed why they are six places above the Scots in the world rankings, taking the first quarter 15-9.

But the Games hosts closed the gap in a sensational second quarter, which prompted The Sunshine Girls to bring on their big guns.

However, Scotland clinched the second quarter, reducing the gap to four, before keeping the momentum to draw level as the buzzer went to close out the third quarter.

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Jamaica, knowing that a loss here would deal a severe blow to their medal bid, tried to up the ante, but The Thistles were going nowhere. Hannah Leighton was instrumental at centre, forcing interceptions as Scotland led for the first time.

The pendulum swung when Emma Barrie missed an opportunity to go two points up, and Jamaica used that to gain a lead and a cushion.

Scotland closed the gap to one once more but could not find an interception in the final minute as Jamaica saw the game out and netted on the buzzer.

Jamaica can breathe a huge sigh and go into tomorrow's clash with Wales knowing victory will send them into the bronze-medal match.

Scotland, meanwhile, need to recuperate and turn their sights to their match with Uganda, which is likely to decide who progresses to the fifth-place game.

Re-live the match as it happened below.

The best performance in Scottish netball history?

Hannah Grant is in tears. Scotland came so, so close and gave it everything they had.

Jamaica have survived yet another scare. You can't help but wonder what might have been had Emma Barrie converted to put Scotland two points up...

All over! Jamaica 45-43 Scotland

One minute to go, but Jamaica have the ball. Here comes the gamesmanship as the Sunshine Girls run the clock down with every play.

Scotland need the ball but can't get it. Jamaica win a free shot with three seconds to go. Surely that's the game.

Jamaica convert to win an absolute cracker.

Scotland coming back

Q4: Jamaica 44-43 Scotland

Turnover! Here go Scotland! Emma Barrie cuts it to two points with two minutes to play. They have centre ball too.

Barrie wins a free shot. and Niamh McCall cuts it back down to one.

Match slipping away from Scotland

Q4: Jamaica 44-41 Scotland

Jamaica can go four ahead and they do. It looks like it's over for Scotland now.

Niamh McCall nets, but time is running out.

Jamaica edging further ahead

Q4: Jamaica 43-40 Scotland

Great take from Azara Wilmot extends the gap back to two before Scotland fumble possession again.

This is slipping away for Scotland. And Wilmot puts the gap at three.

Emily Nicholl is back on.

Tension in the Hydro

Q4: Jamaica 41-40 Scotland

Both sides are making errors now. Five minutes to go. Shamera Sterling fouls again.

Niamh McCall halves the gap again. The court needs to be swept which gives both sides a breather.

Jamaica holding on

Q4: Jamaica 41-39 Scotland

Back up to two. Niamh McCall misses but it rebounds to Emma Barrie who scores. Back down to one.

Jamaica extend the gap again.

Barrie gets one back

Q4: Jamaica 39-38 Scotland

Shamera Sterling thinks she has made an outstanding interception but has strayed out of court in doing so.

Emma Barrie halves the deficit. She and Scotland needed that!

Two-point lead for Jamaica

Q4: Jamaica 39-37 Scotland

Emma Barrie cannot gather! Jamaica go again and Jamaica can stretch forward. Wilmot makes no mistake and Jamaica have a crucial two-point lead.

Scotland need to convert this going up the other end. But Niamh McCall can't! Their shooting isn't coming off!

Jamaica with slender advantage

Q4: Jamaica 38-37 Scotland

Now Jamaica have the chance to take the lead once more. Azara Wilmot gathers and scores to quieten the Hydro.

Jamaica have the centre pass and a chance to take a two point lead but Cerys Finn denies them!

Barrie misses chance for two point lead

Q4: Jamaica 37-37 Scotland

Turnover for Scotland. They lead and are on the attack!

Emma Barrie finds the ball. But her shot is undercooked and a chance to go two up is squandered.

The Sunshine Girls go up the other end and level.

Hosts briefly lead

Q4: Jamaica 36-36 Scotland

Scotland have the first attack. Niamh McCall is looking for an opening. SHE PUTS SCOTLAND IN THE LEAD.

That will not be that though, 14 long minutes as this swings back and forth. Jamaica level.

Fourth quarter underway - Can Scotland do it?

Q4: Jamaica 35-35 Scotland

I've got butterflies. Scotland and Jamaica are in a 15-minute sprint to the finish. Can the Thistles record the biggest win of their netball history?

More changes for Jamaica. Shanice Beckford to goal attack, Crystal Plummer to centre, Sutherland into wing attack. Rhea Dixon and Brie Grierson are off.

We will find out soon...

End of third quarter

Q3: Jamaica 35-35 Scotland

Huge cheers as Hannah Leighton makes yet another crucial interception. This is Scotland's chance.

McCall finds Barrie who is forced to ground. McCall with the free shot and she gets it.

It's Scotland's centre pass and they are one behind. Can they level?

It's Barrie! It drops out! She's got another attempt.

WE. ARE. LEVEL.

Scotland lead third quarter

Q3: Jamaica 33-31 Scotland

We are back to a two or three point game, depending on who is going forward. Can Scotland pounce to reduce it to one?

Three minutes left in the quarter, which Scotland lead.

Scotland make first change

Q3: Jamaica 32-29 Scotland

The Hydro is erupting every time Scotland score now. Emma Barrie has found her shooting boots.

Rachel Conway is on as Scotland reshuffle. Emily Nicholl is off.

Scotland only two behind

Q3: Jamaica 30-28 Scotland

The introduction for Shamera Sterling has shored up the Jamaica defence but Hannah Leighton's interception eventually leads to another point for Emma Barrie.

Barrie gets into another good position and it is back down to two!

Jamaica being made to work

Q3: Jamaica 30-26 Scotland

Nothing to split the two in this quarter thus far, and Jamaica try and force it, giving the ball away, but Niamh McCall cannot find a pass after stepping back nicely.

Rhea Dixon goes from range but misses.

Scotland still showing quality

Q3: Jamaica 30-25 Scotland

Scotland lose control of the ball but Iona Christian nearly rescues it back in audacious fashion.

Scotland are defending strongly, led by Emily Nicholl, but Azara Wilmot finds a way through. She misses though!

No worry for Jamaica, as Rhea Dixon cleans up.

Another strong start for hosts

Q3: Jamaica 28-24 Scotland

Scotland are starting the third quarter like they finished the second. They are already on the board.

Win or lose today, this is so encouraging ahead of tomorrow's match against Uganda and for Scottish netball as a whole.

Third quarter underway

Q3: Jamaica 27-23 Scotland

We are back underway now. No changes for Scotland, but Jamaica bring on Shamera Sterling, while Rhea Dixon is on at goal attack.

Can Scotland do the unthinkable?

Mentor: 'Do we dare to believe?'

Former gold medallist Geva Mentor speaking to TNT Sports: "What are we witnessing out there? Do we dare to believe?"

"I have been so so impressed with the Scottish Thistles. Every one of them has stepped up, done their job and more."

Half time! Jamaica 27-23 Scotland

This play from Jamaica feels crucial nad they find a big score to extend the gap to four.

Fantastic quarter from Scotland. They won it 14-12 and are just four behind!

Scotland keep momentum going

Q2: Jamaica 26-23 Scotland

If Scotland can get into the break just two or three behind, they will start dreaming. Niamh McCall's sharp shooting shows another dimension as she shapes to shoot, only to pass to Emma Barrie who scores from an easier position.

What a quarter of netball.

Scotland fight back

Q2: Jamaica 24-22 Scotland

Scotland are back within two! Great push from the Thistles as three minutes remain before half-time.

But a lovely tip from Crystal Plummer halts another Scottish attack. Hannah Grant steps in at the crucial point to intercept and move the ball forward and Niamh McCall once again converts!

Jamaica extend gap

Q2: Jamaica 23-19 Scotland

The gap has been two or three points for the last five minutes as both teams continue to convert with every attack.

But a sloppy miss from Emma Barrie lets Jamaica stretch their legs.

Abigail Sutherland is set to come on for the Sunshine Girls.

Jamaica maintaining two-point advantage

Q2: Jamaica 19-17 Scotland

Niamh McCall is having the game of her life right now, as are most players in blue to be honest.

Scotland are not missing at the moment, but the game has opened up so Jamaica are responding at the other end every single time.

But an uncharacteristic error from Shanice Beckford offers Scotland a chance to close to one but they can't take it.

Game on?

Q2: Jamaica 17-15 Scotland

Jamaica are getting scrappy in their shooting circle, as Niamh McCall keeps getting fouled trying to shoot. She inches close and closer with each foul and finally scores.

Can Scotland use this early flurry to win the quarter and close the gap?

Scotland closing gap

Q2: Jamaica 16-13 Scotland

Emma Barrie now converts. That's three in a row! Make that four! The gap is only two now.

Shanice Beckford misses, but Jamaica will get a second go. They stop Scotland's fun for now.

Strong start from Scotland

Q2: Jamaica 15-11 Scotland

A fantastic intercept from Hannah Leighton gets the fans in the Hydro on their feet. Niamh McCall then goes again from range to get the first point of the quarter.

Scotland still have the momentum, and strike once more with McCall.

Jamaica have sent Crystal Plummer on at wing defence

Second quarter underway

Q2: Jamaica 15-9 Scotland

How do Scotland find a way into this match? They have played well, but the quality gap has been evident.

The second quarter is up and running

End of first quarter

Q1: Jamaica 15-9 Scotland

Lovely take from Azara Wilmot who finds space brilliantly. Jamaica are stretching their legs now as we get close to the close.

The quarter has just got away from Scotland at the death.

Scotland improving

Q1: Jamaica 13-9 Scotland

Niamh McCall draws away both Kadie-Ann Dehaney and Jodi-Ann Ward, allowing Emma Barrie to find space.

McCall then gets another long shot and Scotland are improving as this quarter comes to a close.

McCall looking strong

Q1: Jamaica 11-7 Scotland

Emma Barrie converts, which she will be pleased with as it has been Niamh McCall with the majority of the shooting so far.

McCall shows confidence taking on another long shot and sinks it. But Jamaica are just too quick in attack for Scotland to make any inroads.

Jamaica in control

Q1: Jamaica 9-5 Scotland

How will Scotland approach this game? Do they just try and keep things as tight as possible?

At the moment, Jamaica has a healthy lead and you would expect they will tire less than the Thistles.

Scotland in danger of getting left behind

Q1: Jamaica 7-4 Scotland

Jamaica blitz through Scotland a few times and all of a sudden have a large advantage. The loose balls are all going Jamaica's way so far.

It has been a messy quarter so far but that is much better as Niamh McCall finishes off a good move to stop the rot.

Scotland lacking in attack

Q1: Jamaica 4-2 Scotland

Cerys Finn makes a big interception allowing Scotland to come forward looking an early leveller. Emma Barrie finds some space but misses. Jamaica go from range to restore their two point advantage.

Scotland aren't quite clicking in attack yet.

Jamaica on the board

Q1: Jamaica 2-0 Scotland

Early turnover for Jamaica after some sloppy play from Scotland, but they force a turnover of their own.

Latanya Wilson steps out trying to intercept but fails. Scotland try to be too clever in the shooting circle and it fails.

Azara Wilmot gets the first point of the match.

Match underway!

Q1: Jamaica 0-0 Scotland

Scotland get things going!

Here come the players!

The players come out to the Hydro. It is the World No.4s against the World No.10s, but Scotland have home advantage.

What can they take from this match ahead of tommorow's clash with Uganda?

Can Scotland take fight to rotated Jamaica side?

So interesting news in those starting teams that will buoy Scotland.

Jamaica have shuffled their pack, perhaps resting ahead of the semi-finals which they expect to reach, while Scotland stay strong.

Can Katherine Tetley's team pull off a shock?

The starting teams

Jamaica:

GK: Kadie-Ann Dehaney

GD: Jodi-Ann Ward

WD: Latanya Wilson

C: Nicole Dixon-Rochester

WA: Brie Grierson

GA: Shanice Beckford

GS: Azara Wilmot

Scotland:

GK: Cerys Finn

GD: Emily Nicholl

WD: Hannah Grant

C: hannah Leighton

WA: Iona Christian

GA: Niamh McCall

GS: Emma Barrie

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Video credit: TNT Sports

How to watch the Commonwealth Games on TNT Sports

The Commonwealth Games is entering a new era with TNT Sports and HBO Max set to deliver a never-before-seen viewing experience, with every event from the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games exclusively live across all HBO Max plans in the UK and Ireland

Watch and stream every event from the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games exclusively live across TNT Sports and all HBO Max plans in the UK and Ireland.

What else is in store today?

It is yet another bumper day of netball action at the Hydro with FOUR matches going on.

We will be bringing you live coverage of every one and you can watch every moment live on TNT Sports and HBO Max.

FIXTURE	GROUP	TIME (BST)
Jamaica v Scotland	B	14:00
England v Tonga	A	15:45
New Zealand v Wales	B	19:00
Australia v South Africa	A	20:45

How have the two sides fared?

Both sides have recorded two wins and a loss, with that loss coming against New Zealand, so this match is an effective quarter-final if they can both win their final fixtures.

Scotland rebounded from the opening match loss with a strong win over Wales, before thrashing Trinidad and Tobago.

Jamaica pushed New Zealand hard, but could not get over the line in their 53-48 defeat, and that result was sandwiched by a big win over Trinidad and a comeback victory over Uganda.