Samoa thrash Tonga in Netball World Youth Cup Oceania Qualifiers

Samoa thrashed Tonga 70-29 in yesterday's other match to register their first win of the Netball World Youth Cup 2017 Oceania Qualifiers and keep their qualification hopes alive.

A win against Papua New Guinea this afternoon would put them into the playoff for the third and final World Cup berth.

Samoa coach Lee Edwards is glad the team finally came away with a win after two losses.

“It’s a huge step-up from yesterday – obviously it’s about the belief in themselves. All these girls are new caps so it’s a bit of pressure they’re not used to.”

Edwards also expects a tough game when they meet PNG tomorrow afternoon.

“I think it’s going to be a hard game, they’re quite physical. A little bit shorter but we’re expecting a tough game. They’ll be wanting to come out guns-blazing as well.”

The final match of yesterday afternoon was a nail-biter between the Cook Islands and PNG, both teams were neck-and-neck up until half-time, when the Cook Islands took the reins to create a seven goal margin by the third quarter. They continued to increase their margin, finishing up with a comfortable win of 42-55.

Day 3 games are underway today.

 

Photo from Netball NZ