The New Zealand Netball team bounced back from a poor opening encounter with Malawi by sealing a dominant 71-14 win over Scotland at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow last night.
It was an improved outing across all areas of the court from the defending champions after the patchy 50-47 win over Malawi.
Feeling their way through the first half, the Silver Ferns put their foot down in the second with a solid all-round performance.
The only new cap in the Ferns for the Commonwealth Games, Ellen Halpenny was named in the starting line-up at goal shoot, making her international debut a day after her 24th birthday.
The versatile shooter paired with the experienced Jodi Brown under the hoop while Liana Leota (wing attack), Laura Langman (centre), Joline Henry (wing defence), captain Casey Kopua (goal defence) and Leana de Bruin (goalkeeper) rounded out a strong starting seven.
Growing in confidence, Halpenny became a key target under the hoop, acquitting herself well as she slotted nine goals from 11 attempts in the first quarter,
An ankle injury suffered earlier in the match forced Halpenny from the court midway through the second spell, her replacement Cathrine Latu slotting in with ease as the New Zealanders began to find their rhythm and court craft.
New Zealand stretched out to a comfortable 36-9 lead at the main break.
The introduction of Maria Tutaia (goal attack), Shannon Francois (centre), Anna Harrison (wing defence) and Katrina Grant (goalkeeper) coincided with a powerful third quarter surge from the New Zealanders.
Latu impressed with her contribution, the shooter netting a 30-goal haul from 31 attempts.
