Malawi Queens loses fifth position to South Africa at World Fast5 series

Malawi Queens on Sunday lost 22-30 to their African rivals South Africa for a fifth position in the Fast5 World Netball Series in Auckland, New Zealand.

The Queens also lost all their preliminary round match against England, Jamaica, hosts New Zealand and then lost and earlier last round robin match against South Africa, who had  also not won a match.

Malawi edged ahead in the third quarter, thanks to a six-pointer from their powerplay, but South Africa took the honours in the end, beating the Malawi Queens 33-30.

Buoyed by their earlier win, the South Africans took charge of the fifth place play-off against Malawi took their powerplay early, in the second quarter, but were unable to capitalise, and were just three points ahead on 14-11 at halftime.

South Africa made the most of their powerplay and had a comfortable 23-17 lead after the third quarter. The final quarter was a fierce battle, but South Africa kept the scoreboard ticking over.

As the final whistle blew, South Africa emerged the winners by 30 points to 22.

Malawi aptain Caroline Mtukule-Ngwira told SuperSport television that the weakeness had been not using their power-play turn.

New Zealand, who have not lost a game since the introduction of Fast5, pulled off a thrilling 35-31 win over arch-rivals Australia in the final, after bidding an emotional farewell to former Protea and long-time Silver Fern goalshooter Irene van Dyk.

England squeaked home against Jamaica, beating them 31-30 in a nailbiter.