Tonga Tala can confidently prepare for next year’s netball World Cup after thrashing the Fijian Pearls 59-29 at the Vodafone Arena last night.

The hosts trailed 3-15 in the first quarter, 8-34 at half time, and 18-48 at the end of the third quarter in a one sided match.

Caught flat footed throughout the 60 minutes, the Alisi Naqiri captained side was predictable allowing the once minnows of netball in the South Pacific to outplay a heavy set of locals.

Tonga shooter Uneeq Palavi, with her accuracy in the semi-circle, dished out a warning to the once giants of the sport that they need to make a big changeover if they want to retain their seat on top of the table.

With the 30-point difference the Tongans, after 22 years, made a strong comeback to shift the Fijian Pearls aside.

Pearls coach Unaisi Rokoura admitted that it was catch-up netball right from the first whistle. Their rest day today will allow them to reorganise themselves.

“Possession is vital, we need to utilise possession to make points; it is something we will need to emphasise when we prepare for our next game,” Rokoura said.

On Tuesday, Tonga Tala defeated Samoa 69-52.

GAMES TODAY:

5:30pm Cook Is v Samoa

7:30pm PNG Pepes v Tonga Tala

Fijian Pearls on bye.

Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj