Match Report
England Netball
England Netball
New Zealand condemned Fiji to their fifth straight defeat of the tournament as they bounced back from two straight defeats earlier in the day. The game wasn’t as one sided as the score line suggests as the Pacific Islanders gave the Silver Ferns a real battle and fought for every ball, ultimately experience shone through and New Zealand secured a clash with Jamaica in the semi-finals.
The Fijians made a fantastic chances and had the opportunities to pull three or four goals clear but crucial misses would cost them dearly. Anna Thompson and Cathrine Latu formed an unfamiliar partnership for the start of the game and they were struggling to receive feeds in the attacking circle. The crowd roared Fiji forward, with the typical English spirit of supporting the underdog. At the end of the first quarter, the scores were level at 4 - 4.
Maria Tutaia was introduced for the Silver Ferns at the start of the second quarter as they looked for more composure under the net and her entrance seemed to lift the team on court. Shots started to fly in, passes became slicker and the defence looked tight. At half-time New Zealand were comfortably in the lead, 13 – 7.
New Zealand continued the tactic of Powerplay in the third quarter and also brought on Irene van Dyk to ensure that there would be no nervous finish to the game. To their credit, Fiji were playing the quarter exceptionally and retaining the ball brilliantly to ensure that the Silver Ferns couldn’t streak clear with a barrage of two pointers. Despite this they trailed 19 – 10 with six minutes remaining.
The Powerplay was taken by Fiji in the final quarter with the crowd looking for some last minute excitement to end the day. They were still fighting too, with Mere Rabuka, Lusi Robanakadavu and Maria Bereso all putting in solid shifts. Each time New Zealand scored they were greeted with pantomime jeers from the crowd; you could definitely tell who they were backing. Alas, the wise heads of the Silver Ferns emerged triumphant and Fiji were destined to finish bottom of the table.
Tomorrow is another day and New Zealand will be desperate to avenge the earlier defeat to Jamaica in the second semi-final while Fiji, who have grown stronger throughout the tournament, will be looking to avoid the wooden spoon when they face off with South Africa.