Malawi Queens stumble again
Despite boasting an impressive shooting accuracy of 98 percent, Malawi national netball team suffered their second defeat to hosts, England, 61-53 in the Vitality Netball International Series at Copper Box Arena Sunday.
The Queens also lost to England 66-60 at the same arena on Friday night.
Malawi Coach, Mary Waya, made changes to the side that lost on Friday after bringing in Blue Eagles Sisters’ defender, Juliet Sambo, at wing-defence for Martha Dambo while Rose Mkanda of Civonets replaced Thunder Queens’ player Thandi Galeta at wing-attack.
Lauren Ngwira was maintained at goalkeeping, partnering skipper Joana Kachilika whereas Takondwa Lwazi also kept her position at centre-court.
Melbourne Vixens shooter, Mwawi Kumwenda and Jane Chimaliro were also maintained upfront.
Mwawi’s impact in the game was phenomenal as the Queens’ accuracy was at 98 percent. However, the team’s failure to intercept passes gave room to England to lead throughout the quarters.
England, who are itching to record three wins in the Test Series, recorded 13 interceptions as compared to the Queens’ four.
Malawi also made it worse for themselves after registering 19 turnovers against England’s eight while the Queens also collected two rebounds as opposed to the Roses 11.
The opening quarter saw England leading 16-9 and at half-time, the Queens trailed 31-25. Before the interval, Waya withdrew Mkanda for Galeta.
In the third quarter Waya replaced Sambo with Wezzie Mzemba-Msiska before the Queens reduced the arrears to 45-40 at the end of third-quarter.
In the final quarter, tinkering Waya substituted Mzemba-Msiska for Dambo.
Ahead of the final match set for Genting Arena in Birmingham on Wednesday night, England Coach, Tracey Neville, said there was need to win all three Test Series.
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