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Scotland Beat NI 67-43 In Netball World Cup Qualifier

BBC Sport •
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Scotland beat Northern Ireland 67-43 to make it two wins from two in the Netball World Cup 2027 qualifying competition at the Playsport Arena in East Kilbride. The Scots racked up their highest ever score against NI as they boosted their hopes of making next year's tournament in Sydney. In Saturday's other game, Wales overcame the Republic of Ireland 76-33 to keep alive their hopes of qualification.

The two teams to join England as Europe Regional Qualifiers will be decided on Sunday, with Wales facing Scotland in a key encounter and Northern Ireland playing the Republic of Ireland, with goal average of the matches possibly coming into play. Friday's opening matches ended with Northern Ireland edging out Wales 50-49 and tournament hosts Scotland getting the better of the Republic of Ireland 84-29. World-ranked 15 Northern Ireland trailed Scotland 17-13 after the first quarter of what was a feisty, physical encounter on Saturday.

By half-time Scotland had extended their advantage to 35-20 following a second quarter which saw Fionnuala Toner ordered off. Northern Ireland reduced their deficit by only one goal in the third quarter as the Scots led 47-33 after the third 15 minute period of the match. Scotland pulled clear in the final quarter to secure victory.