Fiji and Cook Islands dominate Netball World Youth Cup openers

Fiji and the Cook Islands have kicked off their participation in the Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar with impressive wins.

The Cook Islands proved too strong for the hosts, winning convincingly 74-29, while Fiji secured a 53-40 victory against a Trinidad and Tobago side that refused to give up.

Gibraltar is a British territory located at the southernmost tip of Spain, with a population of around 34,000 people. Known for its famous Rock of Gibraltar, the small but vibrant state has a rich history and attracts many tourists. 

According to World Netball, four Pacific island nations are competing in this year's tournament, including Tonga and Sāmoa. The Tongans faced a tough match against Wales, losing 40-58, while the Sāmoans narrowly lost to Scotland 49-51.

Due to unresolved matters surrounding the participation of Sri Lanka and Zambia, World Netball has withdrawn both teams from the competition. Both teams have failed to show up in Gibraltar, and their pool games will be treated as forfeited fixtures, with the opposition awarded the two points for the win.

The tournament started with the Cook Islands taking on Gibraltar. Despite the Cook Islands' experience, the hosts fought hard - thanks to Demi Zammit's sharp and quick movements. Cook Islands' captain, Tia Crombie, led her team effectively with strong plays that guided them to a 74-29 victory.

Barbados (yellow) vs Fiji. Fiji won 66-34. Photo/World Netball

Sāmoa took on Scotland in a fast-paced contest. While Sāmoa put up a good game, they couldn't quite catch up and fell just short of winning. Sāmoan Goal Attack Lataanga Holu made some key intercepts to help close the gap by the end of the third quarter. But it wasn't enough, as Scotland held on to close out the game 51-49.

Tonga struggled against a strong Welsh defence, which prevented them from scoring. They showed determination but couldn't keep up with Wales' speed and skill, especially in the final stages of the game.

In the final game on day one, Fiji faced Trinidad and in a close contest, eventually winning 53-40 thanks to their solid defence and strong teamwork.

Sāmoa (blue) vs Scotland. The Scots won 51-49. Photo/World Netball

On day two, Tonga took on Jamaica, who dominated the match to win 66-43, showing impressive defence that kept Tonga under pressure. Tonga started the second half strong, but they couldn't overcome Jamaica's lead.

Defending champions New Zealand got their campaign underway against the Cook Islands. The first half was very competitive, with the Cook Islanders applying strong pressure. But the Kiwis, led by top shooter Amelia Walmsley, pulled away in the second half to win comfortably 74-47.

Fiji continued their winning streak in their next game by defeating Barbados 66-34. Despite Barbados putting in an improved performance, they couldn't match Fiji's smart and quick attacking game.

Tonga (red) vs Wales. Wales won 58-40. Photo/World Netball

But the Fijians could not maintain that momentum on day three, narrowly losing to Malawi 52-51. Sāmoa secured their first win of the tournament, beating Singapore 62-41, and the Cook Islands overcame a determined Malaysian side to win 66-44.

In other results, Australia beat Northern Ireland 79-15, South Africa 102-27 Barbados, Gibraltar 28-59 Malaysia, Trinidad & Tobago 29-65 Malawi, Northern Ireland 21-64 Scotland, Australia 92-25 Singapore. Trinidad & Tobago 15-105 South Africa, Australia 69-42 Scotland, England 65-26 Wales.

Fiji and the Cook Islands have hosted the World Youth Netball Championships. This year's tournament ends on Sunday.

The Silver Ferns line up against South Africa in game one of the Taini Jamison Trophy at Eventfinda Stadium in Auckland on Sunday 21 September 2025. Photo/Photosport/Andrew Cornaga

Meanwhile, the Silver Ferns have put aside the drama surrounding former coach Dame Noeline Taurua to thump South Africa 77-51 in their Taini Jamison Trophy opener on Sunday.

It has been a turbulent time for Netball New Zealand, with World Cup-winning coach Taurua and her assistants, Debbie Fuller and Briony Akle, standing down for the three-match series.

The next test will be held in Napier on Wednesday. The trophy is named in honour of the former Silver Ferns head coach, who helped New Zealand win the 1967 World Netball Championships.