Hosts Scotland kicked off the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games (CWG) netball competition against World Netball (WN) World Ranked number two New Zealand, marking the third meeting between the two sides at the CWG, with New Zealand having won the previous two encounters.
With the crowd firmly behind them, Scotland stayed within touching distance of New Zealand in the early stages before the Silver Ferns eventually pulled away to take a 35–24 lead into half-time.
The Thistles continued to show fight and ended the match with their second highest score vs New Zealand in their history, however it was the Silver Ferns that claimed the first victory of Glasgow 2026 with a 74–44 win.
Next up were the defending champions, Australia, taking on CWG debutants Tonga.
It was a close start, with just one goal separating the two teams after the opening five minutes.
However, the Diamonds soon pulled away, showcasing their experience and class as they took a 23–12 lead into the first break.
From then on, the Diamonds continued to extend their advantage, utilising all 12 players in their squad as they recorded a 99–38 victory.
The third match of the day saw England play their 50th CWG match as they faced Northern Ireland.
It was a cagey start from both teams, but England began to force Northern Ireland into unforced errors through consistent pressure, helping them establish a commanding 41–18 lead at half-time.
The Roses continued to dominate proceedings as Northern Ireland struggled to break through a resolute England defensive unit.
The Roses finished the match with 20 gains, and at the other end of the court they recorded their fourth-highest score at a CWG, with the match ending England 83–34 Northern Ireland.
WN World Ranked number six Uganda faced WN World Ranked number seven Wales in the next match of the day, in what looked set to be one of the closest contests.
The first quarter did not disappoint, with Uganda taking a narrow two-goal lead into the first break.
However, the Welsh Feathers came out firing in the second quarter, with Bethan Dyke and Georgia Rowe combining well to help Wales secure a five-goal advantage heading into half-time.
An impressive third quarter display by Uganda led to them claiming a tight contest 59-50, with the Uganda She Cranes showing their strength in attack with 97% shooting accuracy.
Opening the final session of day one was Jamaica vs Trinidad & Tobago in an all-Americas Region clash.
The Sunshine Girls dominated from the first whistle, with Latanya Wilson making numerous interceptions in the first 30 minutes to help her side take a commanding 43–12 lead into the half-time break.
Despite fight from Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica maintained their intensity throughout the second half, continuing to control the contest denying Trinidad & Tobago any opportunity to close the gap.
The Sunshine Girls secured a comprehensive 81–22 victory, with Azara Wilmot enjoying an impressive debut as she netted 33 goals.
The final match of the day lived up to expectations as South Africa and Malawi went goal for goal in an entertaining contest, marking their fifth CWG meeting.
Despite the intensity, South Africa kept their composure, moving the ball with patience and precision to build a 34–23 advantage by half-time.
Malawi reached their 2,000th goal at the CWG during the third quarter, but South Africa proved too strong clinching a 65 – 44 victory to kick off their tournament in style.
Day two starts tomorrow at 9:00am BST with another six matches taking place at the OVO Hydro.
To keep up to date with all the action including fixtures, results and how you can watch, head to our Glasgow 2026 Hub, here.
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