Fiji Pearls gearing up for netball World Cup

WALES started their Netball World Cup campaign with a 59-52 win over Fiji that coach Trish Wilcox hailed as an “awesome start” to the tournament.

“I am not sure what the coach’s intentions were but to me if you cannot decide on your top 7 then you’re not really sure either about the 12 which is a pity at this stage because a lot has been invested in this team to compete at this level, ” he said. Despite giving away an average 10cm in height the Ugandan She Cranes came into the match full of confidence after their Day One win while the Fijian Pearls were determined to avenge their narrow defeat to Wales.

“It was really pleasing the processes were followed and applied and we came out with a really strong win. We had a good camp in Tasmania with two wins from three in our preparation games, so it’s fantastic to carry on that momentum”.

Dunn said: “Going on previous results, Scotland and Samoa are the weaker teams in the pool, but there’s a massive rivalry with Jamaica, who beat us in the bronze medal match (at the Commonwealths)”.

Singapore’s netballers have made huge strides in their neat red dresses since the last edition of the quadrennial tournament when it was still called the World Netball Championship.

With a 33-24 interval lead the Welsh team were able to control proceedings in the second half.

In a well-marshalled defence, vice-captain Rosie Pretorius was a pillar of strength who was ably helped by Kelly Morgan.

Said shooter Chen Hui Fen, a veteran with 101 caps and featuring in her third World Cup: “We don’t want to just be happy that we’re Asia’s best”.

In the other game in Pool D, Uganda had a convincing win over Zambia 74-38 with goal shooter Proscovia Peace scoring 56 goals from 62 shots.

Uganda dominated possession from the first quarter and outclassed Fiji in all areas of the court.