Netball World Cup 2015: Wales 71-44 Zambia

Strong Wales defence from the likes of Nichola James helped keep Zambia at bay

Wales ensured a top-eight finish at the 2015 Netball World Cup with a 71-44 win over Zambia on Sunday in Sydney.

If Trish Wilcox's side can beat Uganda in Monday, Wales will top Pool D.

That would see them grouped in the First Eight next round in a mouth-watering pool with hosts Australia, England and the Pool C runner-up which is likely to be South Africa.

Chelsea Lewis led the scoring for Wales, shooting 44 of 49 attempts as Wales eased away from Zambia.

Wales opened up a 14-11 lead after the first quarter but then accelerated away from their opponents in the next two, out-scoring Zambia 43-23 with Rosie Pretorius impressive at goal keeper.

That allowed Wilcox to blood some of the less experienced members of her squad, with Georgia Rowe coming on at goal shooter to hit 12 of 12, Lateisha Kidner on at goal keeper and Kelly Morgan at goal defence.

"This win sets us up for a top of the table clash against Uganda," said head of elite performance Wilcox.

"Although the team did take the first quarter to settle against an unorthodox but agile style of play by the Zambian team, we were really pleased we came out of the first half with a healthy 15-goal lead.

"Changes in the defence end for the third quarter did not disrupt the defensive pressure and we kept the intensity high to extend the lead going into the last quarter.

"This enabled us to finish the game having all players take the court in this World Cup.

"I was particularly pleased with the defensive pressure put on by the whole team and the accurate finishing by our shooters."

Wales had won their opening World Cup game 59-52 over Fiji, a side ranked one place above them in the world.

Wales Netball World Cup squad:

Suzy Drane (capt), Rosie Pretorius, Sara Bell, Bethan Dyke, Nic James, Kyra Jones, Lateisha Kidner, Chelsea Lewis, Kelly Morgan, Georgia Rowe, Emma Thomas, Stephanie Williams.