5 Jul 2011

Easy win first up for Ferns

6:08 am on 5 July 2011

All 12 Silver Ferns squad members got time on court as they ran away with an 80-25 win over Fiji in their opening Netball World Championship match in Singapore.

Coach Ruth Aitken started with her top lineup and they led 36-17 at half time, allowing her to make numerous changes.

Aitken says her starting players were disappointed they didn't make more of an impact and she's happy with what her subs showed.

The onslaught didn't stop after the break with the Ferns outscoring Fiji 21-2 in the third quarter with Paula Griffin and Anna Thompson both shooting well.

Maria Tutaia strained a tendon in her foot, but Aitken is confident she'll be okay for the rest of the tournament.

New Zealand play Wales tonight after they were beaten 51-48 by Trinidad and Tobago.

Defending champions Australia beat Samoa 81-23.