Mwawi Kumwenda leads Queens to a 67-52 win over Fiji
Malawi national netball team, fired up by star-shooter, Mwawi Kumwenda, beat Fiji 67-52 at the on-going Taini Jamison Trophy Netball Tournament in Auckland, New Zealand Thursday.
The Australia-based shooter was named player of the match at North Shore Events Centre, where on Wednesday, the Queens lost 75-42 to New Zealand in the opener for the warm up tournament for the Commonwealth Games.
Yesterday, the world’s sixth-positioned Malawi dominated the first-half against the 12th-ranked Fijians, according to www.au.sports.yahoo. com.
The Queens usually beat all teams that are ranked below them but struggle against top ranked opposition such as fourth-placed Jamaica, who they date today at the same venue.
During yesterday’s game, the Queens went ahead 20-11 in the first-quarter, and 40-21 at half-time.
The website adds that Malawi were clinical in converting a wealth of turnover balls into goals via shooters Kumwenda and Sindi Simtowe.
Fiji, coached by former New Zealand Assistant Coach Vicki Wilson, launched a third-quarter comeback.
A tighter mid-court defensive effort, and some impressive work from goal-keeper Episake Kahatoka was well finished by shooters, Asa Rusivakula and Alesi Paul, who nailed 15 from 20 attempts to Malawi’s nine from nine.
Leading 49-36 at the final break, Malawi reasserted some control to take the last quarter 18-16 and close out with the win.
Kumwenda again dominated the scoring for Malawi, sinking 54 from 63 while Rusivakula impressed with 32 from 35.
In the previous game played on Wednesday, Fiji lost 83-38 to Jamaica who went on to beat New Zealand 59-51 yesterday.
All the four teams continue their final shakedown before next month’s Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
Malawi starting 7: Kumwenda (GS), Simtowe (GA), Bridget Kumwenda (C),Thandie Galeta (WA) Joana Kachilika (WD) Towera Vinkhumbo (GD) Lauren Ngwira (GK).
Fiji starting 7: GS M. Rusivakula, GA A. Rusivakula, WA Cirikisuva, C Waqainabete, WD Sawana, GD Naqiri, GK Kahatoka
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