The Silver Ferns kicked off their 2025 Northern Tour with a solid 63-41 victory over Scotland in Glasgow on Sunday. New Zealand dominated the match from start to finish, winning every quarter and building a strong lead early on.
This win marks the teams first test in Scotland since the 2014 Commonwealth Games. It sets a positive tone for the tour as the Ferns prepare for tougher battles ahead against top European rivals.
Strong Start Signals Tour Momentum
New Zealand arrived in Glasgow after a long flight and showed no signs of jet lag. The team controlled the court with sharp passing and solid defense, holding Scotland to just 41 points total. By halftime, the score stood at 33-22, giving the Ferns a comfortable buffer.
Players adapted quickly to the cold weather and unfamiliar venue. Coach Yvette McCausland-Durie praised the effort but noted areas for growth. The victory boosts confidence after a mixed year that included a tough Constellation Cup series against Australia in October, where they lost the opener 69-52 but bounced back in later matches.
The Ferns shooting duo shone bright. Amelia Walmsley and Martina Salmon combined for all the goals, proving their reliability under pressure. This performance echoes their strong showing in the Taini Jamison Trophy win over South Africa in September, where they claimed a 70-58 victory to secure the series.
Key Players Deliver Standout Performances
Martina Salmon earned player of the match honors with an impressive display. She sank 33 goals from 37 attempts, showing pinpoint accuracy even in tight spots. Salmon later shared her thoughts on the game, calling it a good start but stressing the need for finer details.
Debutant Carys Stythe made her mark in the midcourt, linking plays smoothly alongside veterans. Her energy helped maintain the fast pace that overwhelmed Scotland. Walmsley complemented Salmon well, adding 30 goals from her shots and keeping the offense flowing without breaks.
Here are some key stats from the top performers:
- Martina Salmon: 33/37 goals (89% accuracy), Player of the Match
- Amelia Walmsley: 30 goals, strong partnership with Salmon
- Carys Stythe: Debut assists, high energy in defense
The teams defense was equally vital, forcing turnovers that led to quick counters. This balance has been a focus since the coaching change earlier in the year, when Dame Noeline Taurua stepped aside amid program reviews. McCausland-Durie has brought fresh tactics that paid off here.
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
The match unfolded steadily in New Zealands favor across all periods. Each quarter highlighted different strengths, from early aggression to late-game control. Below is a table showing the scoring progression:
| Quarter | Silver Ferns Score | Scotland Score | Lead |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 15 | 10 | +5 |
| 2nd | 18 | 12 | +6 |
| 3rd | 16 | 9 | +7 |
| 4th | 14 | 10 | +4 |
This even dominance prevented any comeback attempts by the hosts. Scotland fought hard but struggled with the Ferns physicality and speed. The 22-goal margin is the largest in recent meetings, though New Zealand conceded more points than in past encounters, pointing to defensive tweaks needed.
Experts note this as a building block after internal challenges, like the selectors resignation in October that backed the former coach. The win ties into broader trends in international netball, where teams like England prepare for their own series.
Reflections and Areas for Improvement
Salmon spoke post-match about the teams potential. She said the group gave their all but spotted room to grow, especially in avoiding small errors like balls going out of court. These learnings will shape preparations for the rematch.
The coaching staff agrees, viewing the game as a tune-up. McCausland-Durie emphasized unity and quick fixes to elevate play. Fans back home watched with excitement, as this tour revives rivalries paused since 2014.
Linking to recent events, the Ferns success mirrors Australias strong Nations Cup run in February, where they beat South Africa and others. New Zealand aims to match that form against England next.
Whats Next on the Northern Tour
The second test against Scotland happens Wednesday morning New Zealand time at the same Glasgow arena. A win there would sweep the series and build momentum heading to England.
The three-test showdown with the Vitality Roses starts in London on November 15 at the Copper Box Arena. Game two follows on November 16 there, and the decider is November 19 in Manchester at AO Arena. England, ranked high after their Nations Cup triumph, will test the Ferns depth.
This tour matters for rankings and preparation toward the 2027 World Cup. With fresh talent like Stythe stepping up, New Zealand looks poised for more wins.
Netball fans, share your thoughts on the Silver Ferns tour in the comments below. Did Salmon steal the show, or is there a breakout star to watch? Like and share to spread the excitement.
