Queens lose all three matches

Malawi Queens today fight for either a fifth or sixth place after losing to England, Jamaica and hosts New Zealand at the Fast5 World NetballChampionship yesterday.

Malawi, who handed centre Martha Dambe a rare run in yesterday’s last preliminary round match against England, had a slow opening quarter start. They eventually lost 42-39 to England at the Vector Arena.

It was England’s first Fast5 win over the Queens whose captain Caroline Mtukule-Ngwira told SuperSport television in a post-match interview that they did not use their power-play turn.

“We did not utilise our power play. Every team is using their power-play. We are playing South Africa and Australia tomorrow. We will try our best,” Mtukule-Ngwira said.

During the match against England, the Africa’s number one team soon got in the groove with goal attacker Sindi Simtowe scoring all the opening three attempts, two of which were two-pointers.

Malawi were in front in the tight opening quarter with goal shooter Loreen Ngwira, looking nervous and lacking the athleticism of Mwawi Kumwenda, converting once. The Queens finished the quarter 10-9.

Queens eventually surrendered the lead to finish 32-29 in the third-quarter which saw captain Mtukule-Ngwira make long range passes to Loreen Ngwira.
The Queens came fighting in the last-quarter with Simtowe planting three-pointers, but still trailed England who wrapped up their win in fashion.

Last year, Malawi beat England 35-32.
Earlier, Malawi lost 49-26 and 29-28 to New Zealand and Jamaica, teams which, at a similar tournament last year, beat the Queens 48-18 and 37-35.