The Men’s side, silver medallists at Birmingham 2022, beat Guyana and Cayman Islands, thanks to strong performances by Jesse Wagstaff (pictured).

The Gangurrus Women enjoyed a comfortable win over Cayman Islands before overcoming previously unbeaten Uganda, who finished second in Pool A to qualify for the semi-final eliminator round along with third-placed Jamaica.

“We came here to get the gold and we got the first step done by locking up top spot,” said Australia’s Lara McSpadden.

“We hit a few rough patches but I’m proud of the girls for just fighting through and doing what we needed to do. If we can ride those highs and lows and still do our job, even if it's not a pretty win, we’re happy with that.”

'These home fans are intense'

Scotland’s men will also have a shot at reaching the semi-finals after edging out Nigeria 21-16, helped by another big contribution from Owen McCormack, originally from North Carolina, USA.

“My mother is from Edinburgh and it was always a plan of mine to try and play for Scotland one day,” the 25-year-old said.

“Last summer I was really looking to try and make my push for the Commonwealth Games. I got in touch with the right people and obviously hard work got me here as well. I'm just blessed to have this opportunity.

“This is a different feeling wearing a country on my chest. I have family in Scotland, I talk to them very frequently and it just feels so good. The atmosphere has been second to none. These home fans are intense.”

Scotland finished third in Pool A after losing their final match 21-13 to New Zealand, who have rebounded from an opening defeat by Australia to reel off straight wins to finish second.

In the Men’s Wheelchair Basketball, another recruit to the Scottish cause, Tyler Baines, helped his side to a second straight win, beating Malaysia 18-6.

Baines took bronze with his home nation of England at Birmingham 2022 but switched allegiance to Scotland, where his grandfather’s family hail from.

“They’re all here supporting me today and that's the best we've played so far, better than we've done in training,” Baines said.

“That was an amazing performance. We've all got a good connection and we’ve just got to keep the ball rolling.”

South Africa's 3x3 Wheelchair men earn first Games win

Defending Men’s 3x3 Wheelchair champions Australia recovered from an opening loss to England to beat Kenya, while South Africa had their first Commonwealth Games Wheelchair Basketball victory, prevailing 16-12 over Wales.

“It's an amazing feeling,” said South Africa’s Shane Williams.

“We're very happy. Against Scotland (in our first match), we lost focus during parts of the game, but if we keep our heads in the game as one, we're able to achieve anything we want.”

England Women’s team, having beaten Australia in their opener, underlined their status as potential champions with a 15-12 win over Birmingham 2022 gold medallists Canada.

“We stuck to our game plan and played our best basketball,” said England’s Lucy Robinson.

“It was amazing. They are our biggest opponents so to go out and put in such a strong performance like that was really great.”