Netball

Jamaica upset Silver Ferns 59-51

The unassuming Jamaicans did well to find early momentum against the Silver Ferns in the first half with their seasoned attack end - including the might of former Southern Steel shooter Jhanielle Fowler-Reid.

A majority of the New Zealand side had not played Jamaica before last night, having last played them in 2016, and at the end of the first quarter it showed with the score deadlocked at 13 all.

The second stanza saw no player changes at both ends and the Sunshine Girls took advantage by pulling out to a six goal lead.

Freestyling Tongan netballers do it their way

Now, an expansion of the country’s netball development program has engaged new communities, and brought the unique style of ‘island netball’ into the mainstream.

After enduring a 24-hour ferry journey to reach Tonga’s capital, Nuku’alofa, the Vava’u netball team appear remarkably energetic as they step out for their first ever match on a standard court.

Vava’u, one of Tonga’s outer island groups, is known for its clear waters, white sand beaches, and for being one of the best spots in the Pacific to swim with whales.

It is also home to a unique form of netball.

Cook Islands, Fiji impress in Oceania Youth Netball Qualifiers

 The Baby Black Pearls prevailed 42-37 and Coach John Glassie said, with five countries vying for three spots in Botswana next year, it sets them up well for the rest of the tournament.

"They're older and a little bit more mature so we knew we were going in for a tough game. If we win two out of the next three games that potentially puts us in the top two, which is where we want to finish - that automatic qualifier," he said.

Te Tau Lava tournament held in 'Eua

The best teams on the day were:

Under 18- Malia Fatima 
Senior A- Niu'eiki 
Senior B- Pangai

The games were competitive but the focus of the tournament was on living healthy lifestyles, active communities and the empowerment of women and girls.

The tournament marked the beginning of a year of coaching, training and development of netball on the island.

     

Australia wins netball Quad Series

The two sides were level pegging throughout the match with the world number one Australians only pulling away in the last couple of minutes.

Australia led 17-14 at quarter-time, it was level at 30-all at half time and 44-43 to Australia at three quarter time.

Australia shot 88 percent, while Bailey Mes and Ameliaranne Ekenasio shot only 77 percent for New Zealand.

Ekenasio shot 32 goals and Mes 23.

The Ferns had more intercepts and turnovers but were unable to turn that into an advantage on the score board.

Silver Ferns beat South Africa 65-46

RNZ reports a sloppy first quarter by the home side saw the Proteas take a surprise 16-14 lead and forced Silver Ferns coach Janine Southby make two changes to her starting lineup.

New Zealand turned in a much improved second quarter to finally take the lead and go to the halftime break 32-27 in front.

South Africa tried to cling to the Silver Ferns who stepped up the pace in the third quarter to extend their lead to 46-38.

The fourth quarter was dominated by New Zealand who went on to run away with the match by 19 goals, 65-46.

Fiji Pearls want to remain on top ahead of the PG in PNG

Of the nine netball competitions since the start of the Pacific Games Fiji had won six and have remained unbeaten since 1995.

In 2011, netball was not contested so the sport makes a comeback after a lapse of eight years to the Pacific Games.

For the Pearls, the Pacific Games also provide an opportunity to test themselves as they build up for the Netball World Cup.

Vice-captain Maria Lutua said Fiji was going for gold.