Malawi Queens fall to England in first of two-match series

Malawi Queens who are ranked number one in Africa and fifth in the world out of some 35 national teams, on Wednesday lost 36-68 to against third-ranked at London’s Copperbox Arena in the first game of their two-match test series.

Playing without star shooter Mwayi Kumwenda, Malawi Queens made a quick start to Wednesday’s game, turning over England’s opening centre pass, but could not make it last.

The Mary Waya coached side had proved it has potential in  Caroline Mtukule-Ngwira, goalkeeper Towera Vinkhumbo-Nyirenda  and goal shooter Sindi Simtowe.

Waya said she was starting from scratch to add depth in every department to mitigate the future absence of regulars. Martha Dambe, Loraine Ngwira and Beauty Nyangulu represent the Queens next generation.

They did put up a tougher fight but trailed the hosts 19-35 at half-time.

Malawi put in an improved performance in the third quarter, reducing the deficit to 11, but they could only add five goals in the final quarter, compared to England’s 16.

Waya attributed the loss to “fatique”.

“We arrived in London on Monday from Malawi and had to train the same day and yesterday,” she said.

“We will put up a big fight in Saturday’s final game in Worcester ,” said Waya.

The two teams play the final match  on Saturday at the University Arena, Worcester.

The matches are part of the preparation for the 2015 Netball World Cup, which takes place in Australia in August.