Starting and finishing powerfully set the NZ U21 team up for a comprehensive 74-47 win over the Cook Islands at the Netball World Youth Cup 2025 (NWYC) being held in Gibraltar, on Sunday.

It took the New Zealanders half of the first quarter to blow out the cobwebs and settle into their work before unleashing a storming late burst to push the gallant Cook Islands team onto the back foot.

NZ U21 coach Julie Seymour was able give all 12 of her players court time with several switching positions to showcase the team’s depth.

Captain Amelia Walmsley had stints at goal shoot and goal attack, Khanye-lii Munro-Nonoa filled in at goal and wing defence, Serina Daunakamakama played a strong hand across wing attack and centre, likewise with Taiana Day who had time in both midcourt spots, Laura Balmer had time at goal defence and goalkeeper, Kaiya Kepa showed her hand at centre and wing defence while Josie Seymour had opportunities at wing and goal defence.

With the Cook Islands holding their own after a goal-for-goal start, the New Zealanders found their key target of Walmsley under the hoop with more regularity to get their noses in front and then pushing on.

Walmsley’s positioning and movement gave the tall shooter the upper hand in the circle while working seamlessly in tandem with her goal attack Sarah Guiney. On the back of a slick service from Daunakamakama and Day, the New Zealanders bolted into the first break with a healthy 20-9 lead.

The Cook Islands had their moments on the resumption, but continued to struggle with Walmsley’s aerial ability, whether it was receiving the ball or climbing high for rebounds, which left them playing catch-up.

Keeping the New Zealanders honest, the Cook Islands still had it all ahead of them when trailing 38-23 at halftime.

The Pacific Islanders had their best return of the match during the third stanza where the NZ U21s outscored them by just two goals. The Cook Islands had a strong shooting duo and with more ball in their hands and accurate finishing were an influential presence. However, the team overall, lacked the consistency of any lengthy runs to make real inroads.

Still well in control when leading 53-36 at the last break, the New Zealanders put their foot down in the run home.

With Walmsley having a run at goal attack and pairing with the equally tall figure of Kate Taylor under the hoop, the women in black had an imposing shooting end. With the rotations continuing across the court, New Zealand’s quick scoring was a feature as all players picked up the pace and effort.

Scoring 21 goals in the final stanza put the polish on a strong overall performance which has left the coaching staff with plenty of options moving forward.

The NZ U21 team have a day off before meeting Malaysia in their next pool match at 5am on Wednesday (NZ time).