Wales defeat Zambia 71-44 at the Netball World Cup
Sunday 9 August 2015 11:47, UK
Wales outclassed Zambia to win their second consecutive game at the Netball World Cup.
Wales enjoyed an average height advantage of a massive 15cm over Zambia and while the African nation were fleet-footed enough to occasionally keep pace, they found themselves overwhelmed and lost 71-44.
Zambia did entertain with their frequent use of the bounce-pass and the one-handed shooting style of Elizabeth Bwalya and Lucy Jere but Welsh shooters Emma Thomas and Chelsea Lewis helped their side to a 14-11 lead after one quarter.
Wales extended their lead to 37-22 at half-time aided by one spectacular rejection by Welsh Goal Keeper Rosanna Pretorius.
Improved connections and fluidity took Wales to 57-34 with one quarter left. Zambia would have one final moment in the spotlight as Naomi Changwe, one of the tournament's shortest players, completed an eye-catching intercept before Wales confirmed their win.
The comfortable win puts the Welsh level with Uganda at the top of Pool D with a maximum four points from two games, with Zambia and Fiji pointless. Their third group match will decide whether Wales will play the fearsome Malawi in the next round who confirmed top spot in Pool C on Sunday.
Malawi thrashed Singapore 75-31 meaning South Africa and Singapore can't catch them at the summit of their group.
Trinidad and Tobago won a colourful and energetic Caribbean clash against Barbados - but both sides trail New Zealand and Australia in Pool A.
Calypso Girls’ Shooter Samantha Wallace and the Bajan Gems’ Goal Keeper Shonette Bruce provided an engaging one-on-one battle throughout the match that had Barbados leading after one quarter but Trinidad and Tobago winning after two.
Goal Attack Joelisa Cooper helped the Calypso Girls to a seven-goal break and although that was reduced to five with one quarter remaining, Trinidad and Tobago held on.
