Silver Ferns Dominate Scotland 80-48 Ahead of England Showdown

The Silver Ferns achieved a commanding victory against Scotland, winning 80-48 in Glasgow. This triumph concluded their Northern Tour with a 2-0 series sweep against Scotland and sets the stage for a more challenging three-test series against England starting on March 15, 2024.

In a match characterized by a strong fourth-quarter performance, the Silver Ferns demonstrated their depth and skill, particularly with a combination of junior players. Yvette McCausland-Durie, the head coach, opted for a more traditional line-up in the first half. Grace Nweke returned to the goal shoot position alongside Amelia Walmsley at goal attack, with Maddy Gordon rejoining the action at wing attack. This combination proved effective, with Gordon providing 31 feeds and Nweke scoring an impressive 34 goals during their time on the court.

Gordon earned the Most Valuable Player (MVP) title, expressing her excitement in an interview with Sky Sport. She stated, “My game plan was just running the CPA [centre pass assist] really well, getting some good depth on that second phase and hitting circle edge. [Nweke] is world-class back there. She’s so dominant and makes my job very easy.”

The Silver Ferns started strong, but Scotland showed improved performance compared to their previous match. Carys Stythe took a starting position at goal keep and forced an early turnover, while Nweke and Walmsley towered over their Scottish opponents. Scotland’s goal attack, Niamh McCall, displayed confidence and accuracy, contributing to a more competitive first quarter. The Thistles finished the first quarter trailing 21-15, having scored five more goals than in their initial encounter.

As the game progressed, New Zealand’s lead expanded significantly. Goal defence Parris Mason and wing defence Karin Burger made crucial interceptions early in the second quarter. The Ferns dominated the second quarter with a score of 23-12, leading 44-27 at halftime.

In the third quarter, Martina Salmon replaced Nweke at goal shoot alongside Georgia Heffernan. While the Silver Ferns struggled with communication, resulting in eight turnovers, they managed to maintain a lead of 60-41 by the end of the third quarter. Scotland’s goal defence Cerys Finn made her presence felt, creating turnovers and disrupting New Zealand’s passing.

Despite some miscommunication, the Silver Ferns surged in the final quarter, outscoring Scotland 20-7. The victory not only showcased their depth but also highlighted the team’s potential as they prepare for their upcoming series against England. As the Silver Ferns gear up for this crucial challenge, their performance against Scotland serves as a strong foundation to build upon.