SCOTLAND came into the Netball World Cup with plenty of hope, and finished up with some competitive outings. Though the Thistles ultimately lost to England and Australia comfortably, Scotland’s other defeats to top 10 nations – Malawi, Tonga and Wales – were all respectable.
RESULTS
Group B: 3rd (1-2, -22 goal difference)
lost to Malawi by 6 goals (49-55)
defeated Barbados by 9 goals (53-44)
lost to England 25 goals (37-62)
Group F: 5th (1-4, -63 goal difference)
lost to Australia by 40 goals (37-77)
lost to Tonga by 8 goals (47-55)
defeated Fiji by 16 goals (62-46)
9th Placed Playoff:
lost to Wales by 15 goals (42-57)
HIGHLIGHT
The highlight of the tournament was the win over Fiji to ensure a 9th Placed Playoff spot. Though the Thistles went down in that game, the win to get there – against the Pearls – was one to savour. Starting off strong, Scotland took a five-goal lead into quarter time. While Fiji trimmed the half-time deficit to three, Scotland stepped up against to run out strongly and storm to a 62-46 victory.
Niamh McCall starred with 27 goals from 30 attempts as well as 11 goal assists, pairing up well with Bethan Goodwin (21 from 22) and Emma Barrie (11 from 13). In midcourt, Iona Christian (23 goal assists) and Hannah Leighton (11 goal assists, two intercepts) were also prolific.
STANDOUT PLAYER
McCall has provided a constant source of scoring throughout the tournament, putting up a team-high 133 goals. The Thistles goal attack was able to provide a point of difference with her taller shooting teammates, and be that long-range dead-eye while providing plenty of assists. Her movement in the front half of the court was superb, and she was able to provide some critical feeds into the circle, while being able to get back herself and then put up shots herself.
OTHERS
Goodwin (103 goals) was the next best shooter for the Thistles, with Barrie managing the 69. It was hard to look past Christian as one of the players in the midcourt providing a balance of offensive and defensive drive, pairing well with Leighton. In defence, Cerys Finn had a breakout World Cup, pulling in a team-high five defensive rebounds, teaming up well with Emily Nicholl and Claire Maxwell.
SUMMARY
Scotland did ultimately finish 10th at the World Cup, but aside from when taking on the two eventual finalists, was not blown away. The Thistles competed well against both Malawi and Tonga, and got into the top 10 via the win over Fiji. Though Scotland would have loved to have knocked off rivals Wales, the Thistles could take plenty from Cape Town going forward.
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