ROB Gilchrist’s Commonwealth Games campaign got off a losing start as England men's basketball team suffered a 78-65 defeat to Scotland in Townsville.

The Worcester Wolves forward finished with seven points, seven rebounds and two telling blocks during a see-sawing battle.

But it was Scotland who came out on top as a 29-17 final quarter propelled them to an opening victory.

While coach Andreas Kapoulas was disappointed he said it was critical that England quickly put the loss behind them ahead of their battle with India tomorrow.

“We’ve got to now get back to us,” Kapoulas said.

“We’ve got to make sure that we don’t get ahead of us – the group games have just started – it’s more important that we don’t look back but look forward to the next game.”

After a slow start, Callum Jones opened England’s scoring as he pushed the ball in transition and made his way to the rim.

When Adam Thoseby connected from beyond the arc shortly after, England seized their first lead of the game but Scotland were able to fight back through Gareth Murray and Kieron Achara.

While Scotland made the early running, Shane Walker began to impose himself on the contest, draining back-to-back three-pointers as England led 19-17.

The momentum swung Scotland’s way at the start of the second quarter before back-to-back baskets from Gilchrist allowed England to claw their way back with ex-Wolves player Orlan Jackman doing a good job of finding the open man.

Trailing 35-32 at the break, England made a slow start to the second half as Scotland began to creep away once again before Kofi Josephs caught fire.

The 26-year-old splashed 10 points for the frame to trim the margin to 49-48 at the final change.

With the match going down to the wire, England were hurt on the offensive glass and Michael Vigor made them pay as he rattled off eight quick points to open up a double-digit lead.

Scotland were able to maintain that gap as they registered an impressive win to commence the 2018 Games in Australia.

“They’re very well coached, they’re very well drilled,” Kapoulas added.

“We did not shoot the ball well, we had stretches on the defensive end where were not very well connected. They wanted it more.”

Severn Stars player Jodie Gibson helped England women’s netball team see off a Scotland side that featured Worcester’s Ella Gibbons 74-28. Joanne Harten converted 40 of her 43 attempts at goal as England powered to victory at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.