Arabic version: دايموندز تسحق تونغا في افتتاح منافسات كرة الشبكة بغلاسكو

According to ABC News, Australia’s Diamonds opened their Commonwealth Games netball campaign with a 99-38 win over Tonga at Glasgow’s Hydro, where the crowd strongly backed the Games debutants.

The Diamonds, the world’s number-one team and defending champions, started with coach Stacey Marinkovich’s first-choice seven. Australia led 52-19 at half-time after taking 55 shots and recording six intercepts, while Tonga converted 19 goals from 22 attempts.

Marinkovich used different line-ups in the second half as Australia moved close to 100 goals. The match was also an early test ahead of group fixtures against England, South Africa, Malawi and Northern Ireland.

Tongan shooter Uneeq Palavi scored 30 of her side’s 38 goals and drew vocal support from the stands. Palavi said the occasion was another step towards putting Tonga “on the map”, adding that support for Tongans could be found wherever they played.

Australia reserves Amy Parmenter and Jessie Grenvold were among those cheering for Palavi, their Melbourne Mavericks teammate, with a “Princess Pav” sign. Palavi said seeing them helped ground her during a difficult loss against the Diamonds’ defence.