It has been another day of great netball action in the Mission Foods Nations Cup where the Cook Islands and Swaziland maintained their 100% win record.
Ireland 32 – 40 Cook Islands
The opening game of day three saw two undefeated sides square off. Both Ireland and the Cook Islands had won their two previous games, making this an intriguing prospect.
As expected, it was a very close game, especially in the first half. Both sides tried hard to gain the upper hand but couldn’t maintain the lead as the two sides went in level at quarter time at 10 a piece.
A similar pattern emerged in the second quarter with both sides being neck and neck throughout the game. It was the Cook Islands that took a slender one point lead into the second half thanks to a late goal.
Both sides started very well after the break, again with not much separating the sides. The Cook Islands did however, increase their lead to 26-24 going into the final quarter.
It was in the final quarter where the Cook Islands began to peel off, increasing their goal margin and keeping the Irish at bay. They won the final quarter 14-8, which helped them along to their third consecutive win in this years competition.
Malaysia 50 – 67 Swaziland
Swaziland was the only other team that was victorious on days one and two. They had the opportunity to make it three wins from three against Malaysia who needed to get off the mark.
Once again, the opening quarter was very close with both sides matching each other goal for goal. The second quarter was a little more open and very high scoring with Swaziland going into half time leading 33-25.
Swaziland made the most of their height advantage in the final third with goal shooter, Sebenzile Nxumalo, impressing once again. They would go into the final quarter leading 51-36. The final quarter was very fast paced with multiple turn overs. Swaziland extended their lead and remained in control. They now join the Cook Islands as the only undefeated side remaining in the competition.
Singapore 44 – 37 Hong Kong
Fortunes have been slightly different for Singapore and Hong Kong. They both lost their respective games on day one and two. The hosts had the better of the first quarter taking it 12-10.
The second quarter was just as close as both sides battled to control the mid-court. Singapore managed to gain the upper hand and led by 3 at half time. The third quarter had a similar pattern, once again Singapore took control and extended their lead by another goal making it 34-30 at 3rd quarter time.
Singapore upped their game in the final quarter and went on to win by seven to record their first win of the competition.
The Cook Islands are the only side in the competition to not have a INF World Ranking but it is them and ranked 30th side Swaziland who lead the way.
Tomorrows action sees the two undefeated sides play each other in the first game on day four. Elsewhere, Hong Kong play Ireland and a repeat of the SEA Games Gold Medal match between Singapore and Malaysia will close out the day.
Keep updated on the Mission Foods Nations Cup 2017 across all INF social media channels. To watch the games live head to Netball Singapore’s Facebook page here.
