AUSTRALIA (73) defeated ZIMBABWE (37)

The result might not have been a surprise, but the way in which the losing side Zimbabwe stood up to the world number ones captured plenty of hearts across the globe. Both sides won the day before, but Australia was expected to trounce the lowly nation, and proceeded to race to an 8-1 lead early on. But from there, whilst the margin kept building, Zimbabwe’s speed and dare across the court was impossible not to like. They scored 13 goals to Australia’s 15 in the third term giving the reigning champions something to seriously think about going forward. Caitlin Bassett (49 goals from 53 attempts) was the main scorer though maligned for her 10 turnovers, whilst Gretel Tippett had 24 from 28, as well as 16 goal assists and 18 feeds. Our Player of the Game had to be Courtney Bruce who was absolutely phenomenal in goal keeper with nine intercepts and four rebounds, while Liz Watson had a game-high 21 goal assists and 27 feeds. For Zimbabwe, Joice Takaidza (15 goals from 20 attempts) and Pauline Jani (11 from 13) were the key shooters, whilst Perpetua Siyachitema was eye-catching despite 11 turnovers, notching up 12 goal assists and 23 feeds at wing attack, while Felisitus Kwanga picked up four intercepts, five deflections and two rebounds. Australia picked up plenty of whistle in the victory, meaning the side will have to adjust to the umpiring better going forward to ensure they come out on top in closer affairs.

NORTHERN IRELAND (60) defeated SRI LANKA (48)

Northern Ireland assured itself a place in the next stage thanks to a 12-goal win over Sri Lanka in the second day’s matches. The Warriors suffered a huge loss to Australia, but managed to get over the top of a determined Lankans outfit. Northern Ireland lead from start to finish, although the losers managed to reach double figures in each of their quarters, and won the last term 11-9 to show signs of improvement since the first game. Emma Magee was dominant at goal attack with 26 goals from 29 attempts as well as 11 goal assists, 15 feeds, two deflections and one rebound. Up the other end, Gemma Lawlor had eight deflections and an intercept, while Caroline O’Hanlon (22 goal assists , 45 feeds and four deflections) and Michelle Drayne (20 goal assists and 42 feeds) lead from the front. For the Lankans, it was no surprise to see towering shooter Tharjini Sivalingam do all the heavy lifting with 48 of her side’s 50 goals, whilst recording two rebounds. Chathurangi Jayasooriya was strong in defence with eight deflections, one intercept and one rebound, whilst Dulangi Wannithileka had 20 goal assists and 29 feeds as well as nailing the one shot she put to the post.

NEW ZEALAND (78) defeated BARBADOS (25)

Much like Zimbabwe, Barbados came crashing back to earth when coming up against a genuine world class side, suffering a crushing 53-goal defeat at the hands of New Zealand. The Silver Ferns showed no mercy in the big win, piling on 42 goals to 14 in the first half and 36 to 11 in the second half as all 12 players managed to get court time in Noeline Taurua‘s side. Jane Watson was phenomenal in defence – and one of only two players to play a full game – with nine deflections, six intercepts and two rebounds, teaming well with Casey Kopua (six deflections, two rebounds and one intercept), while Bailey Mes scored 30 goals from 33 attempts, had seven goal assists and three rebounds. Maria Folau was used sparingly for 21 goals from 24 attempts, rotated with Te Paea Selby-Rickett (20 from 22). Barbados’ best was once again Shonette Azore-Bruce who picked up two rebounds, two deflections and an intercept in defence, whilst Amanda Knight managed two goal assists, two feeds, two deflections and an intercept.

MALAWI (87) defeated SINGAPORE (38)

Malawi condemned Singapore to bottom spot in the pool with a massive 49-goal win. The Queens rebounded from their loss to New Zealand to completely dominate the second day’s game as every player tasted court time in a confidence-boosting win. Thandie Galleta put on a master class in the midcourt with a massive 37 goal assists, 51 feeds, three deflections and one intercept, while Towera Vinkhumbo had four intercepts, three deflections and two rebounds in the defensive goal circle. In attack, Joyce Mvula (31 goals from 33 attempts) and Jane Chimaliro (23 from 24) teamed well, as did Alinafe Kamwala (27 from 32) who all pumped out a high volume of shots. For Singapore, Sindhu Nair had four deflections and only two penalties in defence, whilst Kimberly Lim (13 goal assists, 20 feeds and 22 centre pass receives) and Charmaine Soh (15 goals from 17 assists, nine centre pass receives) were among the best.

ENGLAND (70) defeated SCOTLAND (34)

It was another comprehensive win for England who ran out 36 point victors over Scotland. Unfortunately, though the Roses will be without star Layla Guscoth who injured her Achilles during the match. Her absence will be a huge loss for England but they proved that they have plenty of star power without her with the likes of Geva Mentor, Eboni Usoro-Brown and Fran Williams all able to do the job down back. Rachel Dunn showcased her class under the post with her traditional and conventional netball style shooting 49 goals from 52 attempts. Her partnership with Helen Housby was impressive with the two finding good space with Housby nailing 14 from 16 while Natalie Haythornthwaite highlighted her versatility swapping between wing and attack goal attack slotting four from four at 100 percent. Though the game was played on England’s terms the likes of Lynsey Gallagher stood up in the goal circle with her clever movement, good footwork and accuracy to post with 13 from 14 at 93 percent. Emma Barrie also displayed her shooting prowess with 11 from 13. Defensively Emily Nicholl worked tirelessly to limit the attacking thrusts from England with two intercepts and three gains for her efforts. Her partner in crime Hayley Mulheron also applied her trade in at goal defence picking up one intercept, two deflections and a gain. But their efforts were matched by Guscoth who won plenty of ball back with two intercepts and three gains while electric centre Serena Guthrie showcased her athleticism picking up two intercepts, two gains and one deflection. 

UGANDA (69) defeated SAMOA (48)

Uganda notched up their first win in the World Cup with a solid performance against Samoa. The She Cranes skipped out to an early lead and never looked back, seeming a class above their opponents who struggled to combat the scoring prowess of Mary Cholock. The holding goal shooter put on a masterclass under the ring with her strength and accuracy to post a real feature of her game, converting 34 goals from 39 attempts. Stella Oyella also had a huge influence in the She Cranes win, making her presence felt on the scoreboard with 17 goals from 18 attempts along with 12 goal assists. Through the midcourt the likes of Racheal Nanyonga was influential finding the circle edge with ease and delivering well-weighted passes into the shooters, racking up 16 goal assists. Nanyonga also showed her defensive capabilities with one intercept, one gain and a deflection. Joan Nampungu was a rock in defence picking up plenty of ball and limiting any easy access to goal for Samoa, finishing the match with four deflections, one gain and two pick ups. For Samoa, Tee Salanoa and Sanita To’o were the shining lights with the two combining well in the goal circle to create screens and scoring opportunities. Salanoa topscored for Samoa with 25 from 26 at an impressive 96 per cent accuracy while To’o registered 20 from 25.

JAMAICA (68) defeated TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO (43)

It was a convincing win for the Sunshine Girls in their second match of the World Cup, however it certainly did not go all their way. Despite a comprehensive 25 goal victory, the Calypso Girls fought for much of the match, only dropping the ball in the second quarter when they shot only eight goals for the term, letting in 25 goals to the Jamaicans. It was an interesting fight for Jamaica, who have arguably some of the most dynamic players in the series with a combination of aerial ability and speed on their side, but Trinidad and Tobago showed a good fight to push the Sunshine Girls in the second half to keep the scoreline in their favour. It was the shooting accuracy that kept the Calypso Girls in it, shooting at a combined 84 per cent and sharing the load well thanks to a shared effort from Sam Wallace (19 goals from 24 attempts) and Kalifa McCollin (19 from 21). Candice Guerero and Rhonda John-Davis also managed the load well around the circle, with a respective 14 and 12 assists, finding the circle edge well despite the defensive pressure from the Sunshine Girls. For Jamaica, Jodi-Ann Ward was phenomenal with three intercepts, three deflections and four pickups, finding plenty of the ball as she battled John-Davis for dominance. Meanwhile, Jhaniele Fowler was the go-to Sunshine Girl at the post with 38 goals at 95 per cent, working well with Shanice Beckford, Rebekah Robinson and Romelda Aiken who also each had patches on court with a combined 30 goals. Similarly to the Calypso Girls, Khadijah Williams and Nicole Dixon shared the load around the circle with 16 assists each from a combined 53 circle feeds. It was the Jamaicans’ ability to capitalise off loose ball that secured them the victory, with 16 gains and 12 rebounds across the board propelling plenty of ball back through to attack.

SOUTH AFRICA (90) defeated FIJI (35)

South Africa put on a masterclass right across the court against Fiji to claim their second win and position themselves nicely in their pool. The Pearls simply could not do enough to stop the SPAR Proteas who had answers for everything that was thrown at them with their clever ball movement, impressive footwork and accuracy to post. The SPAR Proteas made the most of their opportunities in the goal circle finishing with an impressive 91 per cent shooting accuracy while Fiji only managed 75 per cent credit to the intense defensive pressure applied by South Africa. Sigi Burger proved her worth to the side notching up an impressive 32 from 36 while Lenize Potgieter was not to be outdone nailing 33 from 34 at 97 per cent, highlighting her ability to break games apart with her dynamic movement and understanding in the goal circle. Up the other end Zanele Vimbela absolutely dominated, amassing a whopping nine gains, six intercepts, five deflections and three rebounds while Phumza Maweni also showcased her defensive prowess with five gains, two intercepts, three deflections and three rebounds. While the Pearls struggled to combat the pressure of South Africa, the likes of shooter Lydia Panapasa stood tall nailing 11 goals straight. Asilika Sevutia showcased her versatility across the court switching between the thirds. The talented midcourt player started in centre before moving into wing attack and then wing defence, racking up the feeds while also providing strong hands-over defensive pressure to try and slow down her opponents. Defender, Adi Vakaoca Bolakoro left her mark on the game competing hard to win the ball picking up three gains, one intercept, three deflections and three rebounds for her efforts but unfortunately it was not enough to quell the star power of South Africa.