Wales beat Tonga in last warm-up for Commonwealths

Wales completed preparations for the Commonwealth Games in style as they beat Tonga 65-52 in a uncapped warm-up game in Cardiff.

The Welsh Feathers started brightly, utilising Georgia Rowe's height well in attack as the goal shooter was near faultless with her shooting.

She was ably assisted by goal attack Phillipa Yarranton and the pair scored 19 in the first quarter to give Wales a five-goal lead.

Tongan goal shooter Uneeq Palavi kept the pressure on Wales and the visitors cut the lead when making it 32-29 at half-time.

Wales rallied in the third quarter to increase their margin to seven goals and scored 17 goals in the final quarter to win 65-52

Just one place separates the sides in the world rankings with Wales seventh and Tonga eighth.

It was the last game for head coach Emily Handyside on home soil, as she will step down from her role at the conclusion of the Commonwealth Games.

Tonga face world number one Australia in their first pool game on Saturday while Wales take on Uganda, sixth best in the world, on Saturday.

The 12 players selected for Glasgow received their Commonwealth Games dresses from family members.

Wales head coach Emily Handyside said: "It was such a great game and gave us exactly the test we needed.

"The physicality reminded us what international netball is. The girls really stepped up and put the things into practice that we wanted to.

"Lowri [Windsor] got her first experience of playing for the Feathers, so we're delighted for the performance and the occasion. The team were fantastic on defence and attack.

"We've got so many great ball winners, Caris [Morgan], Vicky Booth, huge pressure at the back with Leah [Middleton], it was just a real team performance.

"They did a fantastic job of getting the ball down to our attackers who were slick and connected."

Player of the match Phillipa Yarranton said: "It was a super physical game, and that's international netball.

"For the girls that don't get exposed to that very often, we get drips and drabs of it in the Super League season when we play the Aussies.

"Tonga are incredible competitors and it was great preparation.

"I think this is my third international player of the match award and although the game wasn't capped, I wanted to leave everything on the court.

"You never know when you'll get the opportunity to be on the court, you might not start the next game but I feel like I've got the nature and character that I want the bib ripped off of me.

"There's no way I'm getting taken off that court, so I will just do or die."

Wales' pool fixtures

Saturday, 25 July (16:00 BST) - Wales v Uganda

Sunday, 26 July (09:00 BST) - Wales v Scotland

Tuesday, 28 July (16:00 BST) - Wales v Trinidad and Tobago

Wednesday, 29 July (19:00 BST) - New Zealand v Wales

Thursday, 30 July (19:00 BST) - Jamaica v Wales

Wales squad: Lowri Windsor, Alex Johnson, Poppy Tydeman, Vicky Booth, Nansi Kuti, Caris Morgan, Megan Pilkington, Zoe Matthewman, Phillipa Yarranton, Bethan Dyke, Leah Middleton, Georgia Rowe.