Ferns in easy win against Scotland

The Silver Ferns have secured a much-needed 60-29 pool B Games win against Scotland last night.

Their campaign took a serious hit after the humiliating loss to Malawi 24 hours earlier.

That clearly invigorated the New Zealand players, notably the defenders.

There was a fire in their eyes and they clearly seemed out to prove they are still in the Games.

With precise attack and feisty defence, New Zealand placed the pressure on a stunned Scottish side early in the game.

Defending duo Temalisi Fakahokotau and Katrina Grant were relentless in the circle for New Zealand.

They made it nearly impossible for Scottish shooters Bethan Goodwin and Lynsey Gallagher to score in the first quarter.

However, after that strong opening quarter from the Ferns, Scotland made every attempt to capitalise on any of New Zealand’s silly errors in the second quarter.

Scotland made up some of the lost ground in their shooting circle to slowly inch their way back on the scoreboard but it was never likely to threaten New Zealand’s dominance. They were 31-13 up at halftime. The Ferns eased through the third quarter to open a 23-point lead on Scotland before bringing it home in the final 15 minutes.

Unlike in New Zealand’s historic loss to Malawi, Silver Ferns coach Janine Southby entrusted her starting lineup for almost the entire game.

She made no changes until just minutes from the end of the match.

Te Paea Selby-Rickit scored 33 goals from her 37 attempts. Maria Folau at goal attack nailed 27 goals from 35 shots.

The Silver Ferns will now face England in their final match of the preliminary rounds.

Should they lose to England, the Ferns could still progress to the semifinals as the second-highest ranked team in their pool.

However it would hurt their chances of chasing gold.

Even getting a podium finish might be beyond them.

The game against England is at 11am tomorrow.