There were three matches played on the first day of the Europe qualifiers for the 2023 Netball World Cup, with wins for Wales, Northern Ireland and hosts Scotland.
The final match of day one saw the hosts, Scotland, take on the Republic of Ireland, and the Thistles were on form in front of their home crowd. They ended the first quarter leading 20-3. Ireland grew into the second quarter, working tirelessly, but Scotland continued to accumulate the goals and led by 34 at half-time.
By the final quarter it had become one-way traffic and Scotland went on to a rsounding 87-17 win.
Northern Ireland saw off Gibraltar 68-19, with the Warriors shooters, Ciara Crosbie and Orlaith Rogers, capitalising off their chances to score 16 goals in the opening quarter. Northern Ireland reached half-time with a 30-goal lead, which they then continued to extend.
The day had got off to a good day for Wales, who beat Isle Of Man 78-22. The Feathers were dominant in defence from the off, with goal keeper Christina Shaw and goal defence Ella Powell-Davies communicating well in the circle. At the other end, Wales continued to find their shooters with ease, taking the score to 40-11 at half-time. The second half was almost a carbon copy of the first half, with Wales dominating 38-11, scoring 19 goals in each of the last two quarters.
The Europe qualifiers finish on the 16th October at the Emirates Arena, Glasgow, Scotland. The event will be played in a round robin format, with all teams playing each other once. The top two countries will qualify for next year’s Netball World Cup in Cape Town.
RESULTS
Wales 78 Isle Of Man 22
Northern Ireland 68 Gibraltar 19
Scotland 87 Republic Of Ireland 17
