Aussies first up winners over Wales

Australia has opened its Netball Gold medal defence after defeating Wales 78-22 before a sell out crowd at the State Netball and Hockey Centre tonight.

Coming into these Commonwealth Games with poor form after two losses to New Zealand last year, the Australians were never pressured against a Welsh side that does not play regularly at international level.

The first half saw the Australians take the lead early, offering no resistance towards a Welsh defence which not much was known about by Coach Norma Plummer leading into the tournament.

Second half was very much the same with Australia dominating all areas of the court, although the Welsh put up a fight against the number two nation in the world and they can draw some pride from that.

For Australia, Captain Sharelle McMahon shot at an amazing 100 percent after netting all 13 of her attempts, while Susan Pratley had a debut game to remember, after shooting at 87 % (15/17) after coming off the bench to replace Cath Cox.

Rebecca James was the best performed goaler for Wales, shooting 53% (8/15) and received very little support, with all others tried inside the circle shooting under 50%.

Best on court for was Janine Ilitch who provided plenty of drive in defence in her return to international netball.

Next up for the Australians is a game against Barbados on Sunday afternoon, with centre pass scheduled for 1:00 pm.

In earlier matches, Jamaica defeated Singapore 67-22; the New Zealand Silver Ferns thrashed St Vincent and The Grenadines 98-31, whilst England defeated Malawi 63-47.

Australia 78 (Catherine Cox 16, Susan Pratley 15, Sharelle McMahon 13)
Wales 22 (Rebecca James 8)
Group B match. 17/03/2006. State Netball and Hockey Centre.

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