Cook Islands is ready to fight tooth and nail when they face the high-flying Samoans in a crucial clash tonight in the World Youth Cup Qualifier Oceania at the National Sports Arena in Nikao.

With a win and a loss from the first two matches, the John Glassie-coached under-21 side will need to improve their performance to remain in contention for a top-three finish and qualify for the Netball World Youth Cup 2025 in Gibraltar.

Cook Islands defeated Papua New Guinea 63-45 on Monday before succumbing to Tonga 44-66 on Tuesday night. The team had a rest day yesterday.

Samoa is the only unbeaten team in the tournament so far having defeated Tonga 51-45, Fiji 51-32 and Papua New Guinea 65-43 last night.

Fiji has already secured a place in the Youth Netball World Cup, while the top three teams from Cook Islands, Samoa, Tonga and Papua New Guinea will also qualify to join Fiji at the World Cup.

Speaking of tonight’s clash, national coach Glassie said: “We knew Samoa are the team to watch heading into the tournament so it’s no surprise to see them undefeated.”

“Our goal is to compete for longer periods during the match and improve our performance against Tonga."

Glassie says the team is young and have very little international experience.

However, he said he was happy they have performed very well “and will continue to improve heading into Saturday’s finals”.

Glassie added the win against PNG in the opening match was a great confidence boost for the debutantes and team.

“The PNG game was always going to start fast. PNG’s strength is speed and a natural flair, this was evident throughout the match,” he said.

“We warmed into the game and once we controlled our nerves and made good decisions our defence and game play stood out.”

The Tongan game was always going to be tough, Glassie said.

“They have a high level of experience, skill and toughness in their game,” he said.

“This game was a steep learning curve for our team and the experience they gained is invaluable. The players have a real indication of what level is expected to be competitive.

“We showed periods of being able to compete at this level and consistency is our next goal.”

Glassie thanked the Cook Islands supporters, saying they were amazing.

“It gives the team a real boost knowing we have the support and voice of our people.”

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 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.