Cook Islands remains in contention for a spot in the Netball World Youth Cup 2025 despite going down to Tonga on day two of the World Youth Cup Qualifier Oceania at the National Sports Arena in Nikao last night.

After beating Papua New Guinea 63-45 on Monday, the John Glassie-coached under-21 side took on Tonga yesterday in its bid for a top-three finish to earn a spot in the World Cup to be held in Gibraltar.

Tonga and the Cook Islands faced off in a fast-paced netball match, with Tonga securing a dominant 66-44 win.

The match began with both teams showing strong intent, but Tonga quickly gained control.

In the first quarter, the Cook Islands shooter held her space well, but Tonga’s shooter, despite her average height, proved to be accurate and held her position effectively.

Cook Islands’ goal attack worked tirelessly, but a crucial turnover occurred when Tonga forced her to drop the ball, which they capitalised on. Tonga’s Beyoncé Palavi led her team’s attack, while strong connections from the Cook Islands’ wing attack to their goal shooter kept them in the game. However, Tonga’s tight defense put pressure on the Cook Islands’ shooter, forcing turnovers. The quarter ended with Tonga ahead 19-11.

The second quarter saw a spirited fightback from the Cook Islands. Nicol Tiaore came in as wing defense, adding energy to the team.

However, Tonga’s defense remained solid, shutting down the Cook Islands’ tall shooter. The Cook Islands’ goal attack switched roles and stepped up with long-range shots, but the team still struggled against Tonga’s strong zone defense. At halftime, Tonga led 34-25.

In the third quarter, Tonga’s middies forced long passes from the Cook Islands, leading to more intercepts and turnovers. Tonga’s shooters showed great timing, offering themselves on the line, while their defenders continued to shut down the Cook Islands’ attack. By the end of the third quarter, Tonga had extended their lead to 52-34.

Tonga maintained their dominance in the final quarter, ultimately sealing the win 66-44. Their strong defensive strategy and effective teamwork throughout the match proved too much for the Cook Islands to overcome.

Cook Islands has a rest day today and will face Samoa on Thursday.

Samoa defeated Fiji 51-32 last night. Fiji has already earned a spot in the Youth Netball World Cup in Gibraltar.

Netball Cook Islands U21 squad: Tia Crombie, Kydan Tuapou, Tapuaiva Piakura, Jazaria Tongotong, Aaliyah Koteka, Nicol Tiaore, Deja-Maree Waitere- Patterson, Normavina Pepe, Maihanarei Short, Aleida Tere, Mattelena Tepai, Ngahuia Te Rure, Jazaria Tongotongo. Reserves: Maya Piakura, Terrisa Piri, Maara Teariki.

Fixtures:  September 18: PNG vs Samoa- 5pm; Tonga vs Fiji- 7.15pm; September 19: Fiji vs PNG- 5pm; Samoa vs CK Islands 7.15pm; September 20: CK Islands vs Fiji- 5pm; PNG vs Tonga- 7.15pm; September 21: yet to be finalised.