Netball: Queens showing some ticker

Malawai Goal shoot Mwai Kumwenda was head and shoulders above everyone for the visitors. Photo / Warren Buckland

Exactly what international netball needs.

That's the best way to describe the world's fifth ranked side, the Malawi Queens, improved effort against the No.1 ranked Silver Ferns at Taradale's Pettigrew-Green Arena last night. Nobody likes one-sided affairs like Wellington fans saw in the first test when New Zealand won 70-32.

While the New Zealand camp will no doubt be disappointed with last night's 68-49 victory the Queens camp have every right to be thrilled.

"Wai won't be happy," Ferns captain and busy defender Casey Kopua said afterwards referring to coach Waimarama Taumaunu.

Kopua agreed the changes made between the first two tests did disrupt the flow.

Queens captain and centre Takondwa Lwazi said she was happy with the first three quarters from her side but the last quarter was "a bit slackish."

As was the case in Wellington during last Thursday night's first test the Silver Ferns were untidy during the first quarter as they established a 19-11 lead. This was as much a tribute to the Queens improved defensive work as it was to the lack of cohesion from the hosts.

In similar fashion to Wellington Malawi scored the first two goals of the game. The Queens improved during the second quarter when the Silver Ferns outscored them 15-11.

The Queens Tactix-bound goal shoot Mwai Kumwenda was impressive during the first half succeeding with 19 of her 32 attempts. Her aerial play was superb.

While her goal attack Jessie Mazengera only succeeded with three of her six attempts her circle work was outstanding and a key factor in Kumwenda's success.

Two days after her 27th birthday Silver Ferns goal shoot Cathrine Latu converted 22 of her 24 attempts in the first half. Goal attack Maria Tutaia sunk 12 of her 16 attempts.

Malawi frustrated the Ferns during the third quarter as they outscored their hosts 16-14. They got within seven goals at one stage and on three occasions sunk three unanswered goals.

As the Queens tired in the final quarter the Silver Ferns outscored the tourists 20-11. Whle the Queens coach Griffin Saenda stuck with his starting seven for the entire game Taumaunu made a couple of changes. She switched Joline Henry from wing defence to centre in the third quarter and introduced Leana de Bruin at goal keep in the fourth quarter which saw Kopua move from goal keep to goal defence replacing Te Huinga Reo Selby Rickit.

This was the first Silver Ferns international at the Arena since they hosted Jamaica in 2010. While there were a lot of empty seats this was no doubt a reflection of the gap between the two teams in Wellington.

After last night's performance Hawke's Bay fans will turn out in force at the Ferns next outing regardless of which team among the world's top six or seven teams are fronting. The Queens have proved so called minnows can exceed expectations and entertain at the same time.

Roll on the next time the Silver Ferns come to town.

Scorers:

New Zealand 68 Malawi 49 . QT: 19-11. HT: 34-22. 3/4T: NZ 48-38.