U 21 netball

Samoa led from the start and by half time were leading 27-16. Samoa went on to net 32 more goals in the last two quarters to win the match. The PNG did well to score 20 goals in the third and fourth quarter.

In their match yesterday, PNG also suffered another loss going down to Cook Islands 55-42.

Samoa suffered their third loss so far in the competition to the powerful hands of Netball Northern, 55-26. 

The finals of the qualifiers will be played today.

PNG has won one out of the four games played so far.

Photo credit: Netball NZ

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.

RBNZ reports Fiji and Samoa represented the Pacific at the last Championship in Glasgow three years ago, with one added berth on offer for 2017.

Former Samoa international Lee Edwards has taken charge of the country's Under 21 team and is excited by what she's seen.

"Quite a dark horse - I think people will be quite surprised that the talent that's out there for the 21s, especially also we've got three local girls from Samoa in the team," she said.