Wales To Face Scotland In Nation's Cup Final

The first game of Day Five was a fight for a final place between Wales and Tanzania. Wales started the game with a point to prove scoring 7 unanswered goals to end the first quarter 19 – 6.

Clever defending against Mwanaidi Hassan in the circle and 100% accurate shooting by Welsh GS Rebecca James in the second quarter kept Tanzania out of contention for a comeback with the teams ending the first half 33 – 17.

Wales continued to dominate proceedings making seven changes in the final quarter and scoring 9 unanswered goals to win 69 - 31. Speaking after the game, Welsh GD Stephanie Williams said: “I thought it was a good game.

"The coach told us to stay hard man on man and to stay in front and that’s what we did.” Wales will now face Scotland in the final and will hope to even the score by winning the title and avenging their defeat on Wednesday.

In the second match of the day, Namibia met India in a preview of tomorrow’s game for 5th and 6th place.  India made a number of changes in an attempt to overcome the Namibian defence but struggled to compete. With a final score line of 73 – 25, Namibia celebrated their first win of the tournament and will hope to claim 5th place tomorrow.

Captain, Hilma Ipinge, said: “The style of game was what we are used to back home. It was not too physical and we played well. Meeting the likes of Wales was a shock – we are not used to such a physical game and I think our umpires back home need to look at this as they are over protecting the players. The shock is now over and it is good – netball is not soft, it’s a tough game and we will go out to win again tomorrow.”

In the final game, Singapore came out strong against undefeated Scotland. An aggressive first half by GK Premila Hirubalan kept Scottish GS Lesley MacDonald in check but a failure to convert all attempts on goal left the home side trailing by 9 points at half time with a score of 16 – 25.

Loose passing in attack blighted Singapore’s chances in the third quarter with Scotland extending the lead to 25 – 37 but a few choices changes turned things around for an exciting finish. Coach Kate Carpenter brought on new squad members Nurul Baizure Binte Abdul Razak and Cassandra Soh helping Singapore to find their rhythm and pile on the pressure in the closing minutes to finish 37 – 43.

Speaking after the game, Kate said: “It was a fantastic comeback but Scotland had the upper hand from early on. The crowd was fantastic and really got behind the team so that spurred us on.

"The girls are really up for tomorrow’s game against Tanzania and are looking to come back strong following the defeat during the week so it should be an exciting game.”

Scottish GK Hayley Mulheron said: “Singapore fought very well to the end. It was a good game for Singapore and good to get practice for tomorrow night’s game.” Scotland go on to face Wales in the final tomorrow at 4.00pm while Singapore will have to settle for 3rd or 4th place playing Tanzania at 1.30pm. India and Namibia start tomorrow’s proceedings at 11.30am to determine 5th and 6th place.

The World Netball Championship draw to determine which teams will meet in July will be held before the final game at 3.00pm. The ceremony will be conducted by IFNA President Molly Rhone.

Match 1: Wales 69 v Tanzania 31 (HT: 33 -17)
Match 2:  Namibia 73 v India 25 (HT: 35 -15)
Match 3: Singapore 37 v Scotland 43 (16 -25)