Day 4 of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games netball competition got underway with Northern Ireland taking on South Africa. Northern Ireland were still searching for their first win of the tournament, while South Africa aimed to maintain their unbeaten record.
The match started scrappily, with both teams guilty of early unforced errors. South Africa eventually found their rhythm and capitalised on a short pass infringement to establish a 7–3 advantage.
Northern Ireland worked tirelessly to create opportunities in attack, but South Africa’s defensive unit proved difficult to break down. By half-time, the SPAR Proteas had accumulated seven gains, four interceptions, and five deflections, helping them build a comfortable 32–18 lead.
Several changes were made by both teams after the break, but South Africa remained in control, opening the third quarter with five unanswered goals. Despite Northern Ireland’s determination, the Proteas continued their impressive tournament form and secured a commanding 70–38 victory, remaining unbeaten in every quarter they have played so far.
The second match of the day featured Wales and Trinidad & Tobago, with both sides eager to record their first win of the Games.
The contest was fiercely competitive in the opening stages, but Wales gradually took control midway through the first quarter. The Welsh Feathers continued to build momentum throughout the match and also handed Lowri Windsor her international debut during the second quarter.
Strong defensive pressure and consistent ball-winning opportunities allowed Wales to dominate possession, while Trinidad & Tobago struggled to contain the flow of Welsh attacks. Wales ultimately cruised to a convincing 74–30 victory to claim their first win of the tournament.
The third match saw unbeaten New Zealand face Uganda, who had impressed despite narrowly losing to Jamaica the previous day.
Both teams displayed patience in attack, carefully working the ball around the shooting circle to create opportunities for star shooters Grace Nweke and Mary Cholhok.
The opening quarter remained tight, but two crucial interceptions from Kate Heffernan helped New Zealand edge ahead by a single goal at quarter-time.
The Silver Ferns made several positional changes during the second quarter, with only one player remaining in their starting position. The adjustments proved effective as New Zealand stretched their lead to three goals, heading into the main break with a 28–25 advantage.
The third quarter proved to be the turning point. New Zealand continued experimenting with combinations and steadily increased their lead to 14 goals. Uganda responded strongly in the final quarter, but the Silver Ferns held firm to secure a 58–50 victory and remain undefeated in Glasgow.
The final game of day four featured World No.1 Australia against World No.9 Malawi.
Australia started with intensity, applying relentless defensive pressure and forcing Malawi into early mistakes. The Diamonds dominated all areas of the court, recording nine gains, three interceptions, and ten deflections in the opening half.
Clinical shooting and efficient ball movement helped Australia race to a commanding 38–13 lead at half-time, missing only two attempts at goal.
Malawi showed greater resistance in the second half, while Australia continued rotating their squad, with Georgie Horjus the only player to remain in the same position after the break.
Although the Queens battled hard until the final whistle, the Diamonds maintained control throughout and completed another dominant performance, securing a comprehensive 68–32 victory.
Netball action returns to the OVO Hydro tomorrow from 2:00 PM BST as the race for the knockout stages continues.
Fans can stay updated with fixtures, results, standings, and broadcast information through the Glasgow 2026 Hub, while live updates and highlights are available across World Netball’s Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok channels.
