Netball

After scoring a comfortable 54-43 win over South Africa yesterday, the Proteas challenged the Ferns all the way.

The Ferns led by just one goal against the fifth world ranked side after the first quarter.

Sulu Fitzpatrick then replaced Kelly Jury at goal keep, in an attempt to tighten up the defensive end.

The Ferns led 28-25 at half time.

A plucky South Africa wouldn't go away - equalising with New Zealand midway through the third quarter.

They then took a three goal lead, while the New Zealand side started to look a bit shellshocked.

The Club hosted the launch ceremony for the inaugural Saints Super 4 Netball tournament at the Taumeasina Island Resort.

St Mary’s Sports Club President, Lita Lui, emphasised the importance of being innovative and to look at how the club can contribute and give back to the netball communities through further promotion, development and growth of not only the sport itself but most importantly the young and upcoming netball players.

The All Blacks arrived back from Argentina in time to see the end of the netball final against Australia.

Hansen says they were all genuinely excited and proud of what the Ferns achieved and in particular the journey coach Noeline Taurua has taken.

Cook Islands booked a place in the final by defeating Papua New Guinea 58-31 at the Multisport Centre, Faleata, urged on by their boisterous fans.

“This is great for Cook Island netball. Last time we were in a gold medal match was 1991. We have a huge support base, both here and at home,” said coach Suzanne Evans.

Both teams entered the game undefeated from pool matches. Cook Islands took the lead and kept PNG goaled for the first four minutes.

The Pearls made it two wins from two at the Oceania qualifiers, joining Samoa atop the competition standings.

Prior to this week Fiji had not won a match at international level since 2015 and coach Vicki Wilson said the confidence a win brings to a team is amazing.

"I'm up here on the 11th floor as we do this interview and the girls are down on the second floor and I can hear them screaming and yelling," she said.

"They're very thrilled with the way they played and so they should be - it's been a tough road.

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

The squad, whose players are based in Australia and New Zealand, only came together on Sunday for this week's five team qualifier that involves Fiji, the Cooks Islands, Tonga and Papua New Guinea.

The top two teams from the week long tournament in New Zealand go to next year's World Cup in England.

Since playing at the World Cup in 2015, Samoa were last in action in December, losing twice to Wales and to Scotland twice in the United Kingdom.

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.

Samoa haven't played an international since the 2015 World Cup, where they finished in 10th place.

RNZ reports new head coach Frances Solia said their only fixtures this year will be at the Pacific Mini Games in Vanuatu, in December, however those won't be classed as full test matches, or have rankings points attached.

"It will be a good test for all of us," she said.

"It's not a qualifying, so we don't get any points, but what it does do is it allows us to kind of see who can play at an international level and who's able to take the pressure.

 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.