World Cup Oceania qualifiers

Samoa, Cook Islands netballers make winning starts

Samoa beat Tonga 56-41 in the opening match in Papakura last night, before the Cook Islands edged Papua New Guinea 54-51.

The region's top ranked side, Fiji, had a first round bye after competing at the Commonwealth Games.

The Pearls failed to win a game on the Gold Coast and coach Vicki Wilson said she's expecting strong competition from their Pacific rivals.

"Well I know Samoa will be drawing on all the experienced players in New Zealand," she said