WNC gets off to a flying start

The Mission Foods World Netball Championships have got off to a flying start at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

Follwing host nation Singapore's match against Botswana in Sunday's opening game of the Mission Foods World Netball Championships, the remaining 14 countries hit the court on Monday to battle it out on day two of the tournament.
Once again the excited crowds drove support as strong displays of athleticism and solid defending ensured it was another exciting day for all at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
First up was current world number four Jamaica who outpaced their South African rivals in their first game of the pool stages. Despite the latter team firing on attack in the first quarter, the Jamaicans proved that they are definite title contenders with the new combination of shooting sensation Romelda Aiken and young goal-attack Anna-Kay Griffiths guiding them to of 72-45 victory.
The green and gold of the Australian fans dominated the stands of the Stadium for the full 60 minutes in the Australian Diamonds' 81-23 victory over underdog Samoa, who gave their fans plenty of reason to cheer and showed again why they are the defending champions.
Meanwhile on court two, Wales fought hard to overcome the strength of the Trinidad and Tobago team.
Taking an early lead, the Welsh Dragons were fluent in their scoring and showed solid decision-making but unfortunately couldn't keep up their pace for the duration of the match.
Trinidad and Tobago took the lead in the second quarter, which they never relinquished.
Strength in the circle between goal-shooter Janelle Barker and team-mate Joelisa Cooper at goal-attack guided them to a 51-48 victory.
Crazy wigs, pom poms, dance routines and flags abundance inh the game between New Zealand and Fiji on Monday afternoon.
Despite a slightly shaky start for both teams, it was the New Zealand defence who stood strongest, making life difficult for all in the circle. Equal credit should go to goal-defence Casey Williams (New Zealand) and Malita Waqanidrola (Fiji) who shone on court for their respective teams.
New Zealand, ranked number on in the world, led throughout despite Fiji putting up a good fight. The 80-25 final score showed just why the Silver Ferns are currently top of the table.
Speaking after the game, New Zealand captain, Casey Williams, said, "Obviously being our first game of the Championships, there were a few nerves to start.
"We've been working hard over the last few days in preparation but I think we performed well and we can only go forward from here. Everyone on the court enjoyed the match but tomorrow [Tuesday] is a new day and we will try and execute our game plan better".
The fifth match of the day featured another close encounter between Sri Lanka and Northern Ireland. Goal-shooter Tharjini Sivalingam helped the Sri Lankans get on the scoreboard, howeverm the Northern Irish defence, led by goalkeeper Deborah McCarthy made it hard for their opponents in the circle. Fellow teammates goal-shooter Noleen Lennon and goal-attack Oonagh McCullough were sharp in their shooting, which helped seal 65-56 win.
World number three, England next took to the court against fellow pool D contestants, Malawi.
Despite matching each other goal-for-goal at the start, England finally found their flow through the court after some tactical modifications by coach Sue Hawkins and led by example with captain and goalkeeper, Sonia Mklomoa. Young goal-shooter, Joanne Harten, had an exceptional game in the first half, slotting an impressive 92% of her shots.
Barbados finished the day with a convincing victory over local team Malaysia. Solid attacking from the Caribbean centre court confirmed the resulting 62-40 score line.

2011 World Netball Championships Day Two Results

Pool A

Australia 81-23 Samoa

Sri Lanka 56-65 Northern Ireland

Pool B

Trinidad and Tobago 51-48 Wales

New Zealand 80-25 Fiji

Pool C

Jamaica 72-45

Pool D

England 65-33 Malawi

Barbados 62-40 Malaysia