Netball World Cup 2019: Silver Ferns beat Malawi in World Cup opener

Silver Ferns vs. Malawi

By Hishan Welmilla

Liverpool: The Silver Ferns shut the door on last year’s shock loss to Malawi with an emphatic 64-45 win over the African side in their opening Netball World Cup match in Liverpool.

The Silver Ferns scored first off the back of a mistake from Malawi. It was then close for a while as the Silver Ferns got used to the unorthodox style of the Malawians.

It wasn’t until the later stages of the first quarter that New Zealand pulled away.

The Ferns led 17-11 after the first quarter thanks in part to a perfect 12/12 from Folau.

The Silver Ferns took a 32-17 half-time lead and Taurua took the opportunity to make some changes.

It was goal for goal for a time in the third quarter as Malawi put up more resistance, but New Zealand pulled away again in the later stages. The Silver Ferns went into the final quarter leading 49-30.

The final quarter was Malawi’s best, with them drawing 15-all with the Silver Ferns.

Malawi rocked the Ferns last year when they beat them for the first time at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games but that is now a distant memory.

Folau, Captain Laura Langman, and Kopua – all playing in their fourth World Cup, calming guided the Ferns throughout. Ekenasio shot 21 from 22 from her three quarters, Folau was named player of the match finishing with 38 from 42 attempts.

The Silver Ferns meet Barbados tonight (13 July) in what should be a lopsided affair.