FAST5 Ferns set the pace in opening match

The FAST5 Ferns have opened their FAST5 Netball World Series campaign with a 39-19 win over the Sunshine Girls in Christchurch.

Splendent in their pink strip for the two-day tournament, the FAST5 Ferns – who welcomed five debutantes into the shortened fast-paced version of the game – set up the victory from a dominant three quarters.

Shooter Martina Salmon made herself at home in Wolfbrook Arena with her long-range attempts setting the hosts up for an 11-3  quarter time lead which they had extended to 21-8 at halftime.

The defensive pressure through court also forced the Sunshine Girls into errors, limiting their shooting options but Jamaica hit back in the third spell.

Defender Erena Mikaere said it was great to get the first game under their belt and they were looking forward to their next game against Uganda.

“There was a little bit of nerves running through but once Jamaica started their (pre-game) dance, it was like ‘yeah’ this is cool, this is fun,” she said.