England’s netballers began their quest for Commonwealth Games medals with a victory over Malawi in their pool A match at Melbourne’s State Netball Centre, winning 63-47.

England made it look difficult at times, particularly so in the second half, and England’s coach Marg Caldow knows they’ll have to find some better form before they face slightly tougher opposition in the form of New Zealand and South Africa next week:

It was a bit patchy, but it was what I expected really. Malawi are extremely unorthodox and play very differently to most teams.

said Caldow.

England established their superiority early and led20-11 after the first quarter. Dunn netted 13 goals from 16 attempts, while Cookey madde her mark with seven goals.

England went into the half time break leading 36-24 and struggled to extend their lead in the third quarter which ended 50-36. The victory was never in serious doubt although Malawi all-but matched England in the final quarter as Caldow gave all 12 of her squad important match practice. Dunn ended the game top scorer with 23 goals. Cookey got 13 and 21-year-old Louisa Brownfield from Thundersley in Essex, who came on for Dunn in the second half, netted 19.

England’s next match is against Fiji tomorrow (Saturday 18 March) at 13.00 Melbourne time.