These Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast have been superb but the Closing Ceremony was the least convincing performance of the entire event.

choreographed and lacked spontaneity and any kind of rhythmAll the sadder that it should happen in Australia

Annastacia Palaszczuk and the two leaders of the respective Commonwealth Games Associations, Sam Coffa of Australia

had been no formal welcome or Royal salute for Prince Edward, nor was the Australian anthem Advance Australia

Nigeria and Ghana have made strong starts to their World T20 qualifying campaign by earning victories in their opening two matches in Lagos.

world rankings taken on December 31 this year, with six coming through the qualifying event in 2019.Australia

Prince Edward officially declared the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games closed as the flag was passed to Birmingham 2022 at a party-style Closing Ceremony played out in front of sections of empty seats here tonight.

time.Their handover segment, entitled “Go the Distance”, included a fully-choreographed link-up between Australia

Sport is full of irritating buzzword or phrases which get banded around at every opportunity without meaning anything substantial.

The open-air swimming venue reminded me of a vibrant rock concert as Australia firmly re-imposed themselves

 There has only been one edition held outside Australia or a part of Great Britain this century

Both sides of the Tasman sea had cause to celebrate as New Zealand and Australia both took squash gold

New Zealand secured double gold in rugby sevens competition to bring sporting action at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games to a close.

the Commonwealth Games concluded with a fittingly dramatic finale at the Robina Stadium today.Hosts Australia

time.Having dramatically lost the women’s netball final to England in the dying seconds only minutes earlier, Australia

action at the Games ©Getty ImagesThe result also offered New Zealand some revenge, having been beaten by Australia

England stunned Australia to clinch their first Commonwealth Games netball gold medal as Helen Housby

Commonwealth Games programme at Kuala Lumpur 1998.The final at these Games was the first not to feature both Australia

but England held their nerve at key moments.The two sides were locked at 25-25 at half-time before Australia

heroic performance in the semi-final, saw her rushed attempt at goal bounce back into play, allowing Australia

Australia are the renowned, world numbers ones and to beat them at that time, I'm really, really proud

Australia outclassed Canada to emerge as the winners of the men’s basketball final on the final day of

victory, with Canada unable to claw their way back into the tie in the second half.Strong defence from Australia

Australia dominated throughout the final ©Getty ImagesThe bronze medal was claimed by New Zealand, after

Australia’s Mike Shelley defended his Commonwealth Games men’s marathon title in dramatic circumstances, after race leader Callum Hawkins collapsed approaching the finish.

women's race for Namibia ©Getty ImagesThere was a fitting end to Kurt Fearnley’s career representing Australia

Eight years ago I knew that this was going to be my last race for Australia and that has never wavered

Domonic Bedggood proved the ultimate local boy made good as he clinched a Commonwealth Games gold medal in the men’s 10 metre platform at his local pool.

It means coming to Australia and diving against the Australians.

Annabelle Smith of Australia took the bronze medal.

"Photo_Gallery"

Australia beat England 99-55 in the women's basketball gold medal match ©Getty ImagesFrazer Clarke was

medal at Gold Coast 2018 with victory in the men's 50m rifle three positions event ©Getty ImagesHosts Australia

Australia cruised to victory in the women’s basketball gold medal match after brushing aside the challenge

while England had performed above expectations in reaching the final.Backed by a vocal home crowd, Australia

second half as they made completely sure of their victory.Forwards Kelsey Griffin and Cayla George led Australia

with 16 points each, with 18-year-old Ezi Magbegor adding a further 11.Australia would ultimately seal

Retiring Australian legend Mark Knowles enjoyed the perfect end to his career as the host nation beat New Zealand to clinch their sixth consecutive Commonwealth Games men's hockey gold medal here today.

34-year-old captain was given the chance to wrap up his career on the pitch in fitting fashion when Australia

shot high and wide of the top right-hand corner.The triumph for the men's team restored pride for the Australia

title at the Games by thrashing the hosts 4-1 in the women's final.Knowles, who made his debut for Australia

After a tense and nervy first quarter, Australia found their form in the second and scored twice to take

the game away from New Zealand.New Zealand comfortably beat Australia in the women's final ©Getty ImagesFive

Hosts Australia won their first squash medal of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games after cousins

Five-time world champion MC Mary Kom became the first Indian female boxer to win a gold medal at a Commonwealth Games after marking her debut with victory in the women’s 45 kilograms to 48kg final here today.

men's 69kg, and Seychelles' Keddy Agnes and New Zealand's Patrick Mailata in the men's over 91kg.Hosts Australia