Netball: Ferns untidy in final warm-up

Catherine Latu didn't think the Silver Ferns' thrashing of Scotland reflected the closeness of the game. Photo / Getty

Silver Ferns 63
Scotland 26

The Silver Ferns have turned in an untidy performance against Scotland in their final warm-up match before they take on Jamaica and England in a mini tri-series.

After a 72-18 win in their opening exhibition game on Monday morning, the Ferns recorded another convincing win over their hosts but their performance today was not as polished.

Coach Waimarama Taumaunu made changes to her line-up every quarter as she again took the opportunity to give the bulk of her tour squad a run, with only captain Casey Kopua and shooter Bailey Mes not getting on court against Scotland on medical advice.

The constant stream of changes, which included some combinations that had never previously taken the court together, worked to upset the Ferns rhythm with their second quarter especially poor.

They returned to their top attacking line-up of Irene van Dyk, Maria Tutaia, Camilla Lees and Laura Langman for the final quarter, which saw the scoreline blow out after Scotland did well to restrict the Ferns scoring in the first three quarters.

While the New Zealand side were uncharacteristically sloppy at times, Scotland coach Gail Parata did a good job with her team in the one-day turnaround with her inexperienced side having notably improved in a number of areas from their opening loss, including their through-court defence and finishing in the goal circle.

Ferns shooter Cathrine Latu said they always expected Scotland to be stronger in their second outing.

"I don't think the scoreline in the opening game really reflected how much we were pushed by Scotland. They probably let nerves get the better of them and we knew they wouldn't have those same nerves today," she said.

The Ferns fly to London tomorrow ahead of their first test of the tour against Jamaica on Saturday.