The Fijian Pearls put on a sterling performance despite going down 56-51 to Tonga Tala in their Netball World Cup pool opener in Cape Town, South Africa, on Friday night. The Pearls led by captain Maria Lutua took a 28-26 lead at halftime.
Fijian Pearls sub Joseph Nailumu (WD) passes the ball against Tonga Tala in their Netball World Cup opener in Cape Town, South Africa, on July 28, 2023.
The Fijian Pearls put on a sterling performance despite going down 56-51 to Tonga Tala in their Netball World Cup pool opener in Cape Town, South Africa, on Friday night.
The Pearls led by captain Maria Lutua took a 28-26 lead at halftime.
The Tongans consisted of New Zealand and Australia-based players. They brought in former New Zealand shooter Catherine Tuivaiti in the third quarter to steer them to victory.
It was the first time these two island nations have met at the World Cup with Fiji participating for the 10th time.
It was a tentative start by both teams. The Pearls decided on an aerial game to counter the more physical play of Tonga. It mattered on the scoreboard, and they ended the first 15 minutes with a five-goal lead.
At the start of the second quarter, Tonga managed to grab a few goals and scored the equaliser after five minutes.
When shooter Tuivaiti came on court for Tonga in the third quarter, it was for the representation of her third country, having previously played for Samoa and New Zealand.
The Netball World Cup 2023 is her second one, after playing for Samoa at the 2007 tournament in Auckland.
With the third quarter winding down, Tonga’s superior position on the World Netball world rankings, 7th compared to Fiji’s 17th, enabled them to get a hold of the game.
Although Fiji’s goal circle was operating well, silly mistakes were starting to creep in, costing them dearly.
The last 15 minutes of the match saw strong attacking play from Tonga, putting their opponents under constant pressure across the court.
Accurate shooting by Tuivaiti and Uneeq Palavi ensured the win.
Pearls line-up: Maliana Rusivakula (GS), Unaisi Rauluni (GA), Maria Lutua (WA), Ana Nauqe ©, Kalesi Tawake (WD), Dee Bolakoro (GD), Kelera Nawai (GK).
Results: South Africa 61-50 Wales, Jamacia 105-25 Sri Lanka, England 90-29 Barbados, Malawai 55-49 Scotland, New Zealand 76-27 Trinidad & Tobago, Tonga 56-51 Fiji, Australia 86-30 Zimbabwe, Uganda 79-37 Singapore
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