Ferns on track for semis after avenging 2018 loss

BIRMINGHAM: The Silver Ferns exacted revenge over a tenacious Malawi side in pool play yesterday, recording a 6950 victory.

New Zealand entered the match under the spectre of a loss to the unsung Africans in the 2018 Games and would have been relieved to emerge with an impressive win in which coach Dame Noeline Taurua make use of a deep bench.

Shooter Grace Nweke was her indomitable self in scoring 52 goals from 55 shots and Te Paea SelbyRickit made a worthwhile impact while New Zealand's defenders all performed well in forcing mistakes.

However, Malawi proved its tenacity and upset potential with a strong performance in the first quarter which ended with the Silver Ferns leading just 1513.

Malawi beat New Zealand for the first time in 2018 on the back of superb shooting from Mwai Kumwenda who was a force once again for the underdog with all 13 goals, from 15 shots, for her side in the first quarter.

Taurua rang the changes for the second quarter, bringing Kate Heffernan on at centre for her third cap and SelbyRickit in at goal attack for Maia Wilson.

The changes had the desired effect as the Ferns extended their lead to five at halftime,

SelbyRickit a strong sixfromseven in the quarter. Nweke had recorded 23 goals from 25 shots at halftime.

Going into the third quarter with a 3328 lead, New Zealand made further changes. Shannon Saunders became the third centre of the match while Heffernan subbed out Kayla Johnson at wing defence.

The Ferns looked rejuvenated after the break, immediately forcing Malawi into a string of mistakes that ultimately swung the match. Five straight goals acted as a gut punch to Malawi as the Ferns extended their lead into double figures for the first time and the influential Kumwenda left the court with an injury.

New Zealand, coming off backtoback wins over minnows Northern Ireland and Uganda, ended the third quarter with a safe 5139 lead and never looked back over the final 15 minutes.

Taurua experimented with shooter Bailey Mes at wing attack to end the game. She received a warning for consistent breaking, but the side delivered an 1811 performance in the final quarter.

The victory leaves New Zealand sitting equal on points with England at the top of pool B and well on track for a semifinal appearance.

Women’s four semifinal: New Zealand lost 1613 to India; para men’s pairs B6B8 semifinal, New Zealand lost 1810 to Scotland; para mixed pairs B2B3, lost 1811 to Scotland, lost 188 to Wales

Men’s 81kg: Cameron McTaggart 6th; women’s 64kg, Emma McIntyre 5th; women’s 71kg, Megan Signal 6th

Women’s57kg: Qona Christie lost quarterfinal, lost repechage

Women’s 200m medley heats: Helena Gasson DNQ, Mya Rasmussen DNQ; women’s 800m freestyle heats, Eve Thomas 3rd fastest into final; men’s 50m backstroke, Andrew Jeffcoat gold; women’s 50m butterfly, Helena Gasson 7th