The Cook Islands have made a winning start to the defence of their Nations Cup netball title with a 54-47 victory over Botswana in Singapore.
The Black Pearls, who won the previous edition of the Nations Cup in 2017, led 14-9 after the opening quarter, 26-23 at half-time and 40-33 heading into the final period.
The Cook Islands are the defending Nations Cup netball champions. Photo: Facebook/Netball Cook Islands
But goal shoot Alanna Smith, who was awarded player of the match, said they were not getting ahead of themselves.
"I'd say we're definitely not taking anything for granted," she said.
"Two years ago was a while and we're a completely new team this year - we've got some juniors which we will need to develop and bring in to our Under 21s - so [we] definitely don't take anything for granted and everyone here is a true competitor."
Alanna Smith shoots for goal during the 2017 Nations Cup. Photo: Supplied/Netball Singapore
The Cook Islands will continue their title defence this evening against Papua New Guinea, who suffered a 41-38 defeat against Ireland in their first round match.
The Pepes, who finished runners up in their two previous appearances at the Nations Cup in 2015 and 2016, led Ireland by seven goals after the first quarter but faded in the final three periods.
The PNG Pepes team at the Nations Cup in Singapore. Photo: Facebook/Netball PNG
Co-captain Courtney Abel said the current squad was very new to international level.
"This team is different in that we've got about three players who are over the age of 21, so it's a very young team," she said.
"Coming to this tournament is about getting them exposed to this level of netball and just about exposure and development."
Meanwhile, hosts Singapore drew 54-all with Namibia in the other first round clash.
