Fiji, Cook Islands and Samoa will join defending champions, New Zealand at Netball World Youth Cup Gaborone 2017 (NWYC 2017).
On the final day of the Oceania Qualifier, Fiji held off a determined Cooks Islands 45-40 in the 1v2 play-off, while Samoa secured their spot with a 55-32 victory over Papua New Guinea (PNG).
Tonga, who has improved considerably across the week, went down in the first game of the day to the invitational team from Netball Northern, 74-43.
The second match was between third and fourth ranked teams, Samoa and PNG; the winner qualifying for NWYC2017 along with Fiji and Cook Islands.
It was a fierce first-quarter, the favourites Samoa leading the way with a five-goal margin. They continued leading by five up until half-time, until they broke away to finish with a well-deserved final score of 55-32.
Coach Lee Edwards commented that it’s been great to watch her team develop on court this week.
“We’ve got three or four who lead really well on the court, who help bring our young ones through. Obviously these older ones have played at higher levels so it’s all about working together,” Edwards said.
“They are all stoked to be able to go to Botswana.”
The final match of the tournament between the highest ranking teams, Fiji and Cook Islands, certainly brought in the crowds as the two countries battled it out.
The favourites Fiji came into the match with confidence, gaining a nine-goal lead by the first quarter. They kept the Cook Islands at bay, increasing their lead by half-time with a 13-goal margin.
The Cook Islands’ determination was unwavering however, managing to close the gap down to an incredible three points in the final six minutes. However, it wasn’t enough to overtake their undefeated opponents, the game ending with a score of 45-40.
NWYC2017 will run over 10 days from July 8-16 next year.
FINAL PLACINGS:
1-Fiji
2-Cook Islands
3-Samoa
4-PNG
5-Tonga
Photo: Netball Samoa