Wales beat Tonga in final Commonwealth Games netball warm-up

Wales completed their preparations for the Commonwealth Games in style as they beat Tonga 65-52 in an uncapped warm-up game in Cardiff.

The Welsh winger started brightly, making good use of Georgia Rowe’s height in attack as the goal shooter was almost flawless with her shooting.

She assisted Philippa Yarraton in goal attack and the pair scored 19 in the first quarter to give Wales a five-goal lead.

Tongan goal shooter Unek Palavi kept the pressure on Wales and the visitors cut the lead to 32-29 at half-time.

Wales extended their lead by seven goals in the third quarter and scored 17 in the final quarter to win 65–52.

Just one place separates the teams in the world rankings, with Wales seventh and Tonga eighth.

It was head coach Emily Handyside’s last game on home soil, as she will step down from her duties at the conclusion of the Commonwealth Games.

Tonga face world number one Australia in their first pool game on Saturday, while Wales face world number six Uganda on Saturday.

The 12 players selected for Glasgow received Commonwealth Games jerseys from their family members.

Wales head coach Emily Handyside said: “It was a great game and gave us exactly the test we needed.

“The physicality reminded us what international netball is all about. The girls really stepped up and practiced the things we wanted to do.

“Lori (Windsor) got her first experience playing for the Feathers, so we were delighted with the performance and the show. The team was excellent in defense and attack.

“We got a lot of great ball winners, massive pressure at the back with Carys (Morgan), Vicky Booth, Leigh (Middleton), it was just a real team performance.

“They did a great job of getting the ball down to our attackers who were nimble and connected.”

Player of the Match Philippa Yaranton said: “It was a super physical game, and that’s international netball.

“For the girls who aren’t exposed to it often, we get drips and drabs of it during the Super League season when we play the Aussies.

“Tonga are incredible competitors and it’s been great preparation.

“I think this is my third international player of the match award and even though the game was not closed, I wanted to leave everything on the court.

“You never know when you’re going to be on the court, you might not start the next game but I feel like I’ve got the nature and the character that I want the bib to be ripped off me.

“There’s no way I’m getting off that court, so I’ll do or die.”