Kiwis claim first convincing win of Worlds

NEW ZEALAND BEAT SOUTH AFRICA 11-3 (2:0, 2:0, 4:3, 3:0)

New Zealand scorers: Jasmine Myles 3, Danielle Lewis 2, Kirsten Hudson 2, Nicole Lewis, Miranda Chase, Emma Stoneman, Liana Dance.

New Zealand claimed their first win of the Kazan 2015 FINA World Championships against South Africa on Saturday.

Nicole Lewis rises up for a shot against South Africa

The Kiwis lead from the front, with Sarah Landry winning the first swim off. Emma Stoneman opened the scoring for New Zealand with her first goal of the tournament, then Jasmine Myles made NZ’s tally two in the last possession.

Sarah Landry won the swim for the Kiwis again, allowing Kirsten Hudson to score from a man-up play. A six minute goalless spell came to an end when Miranda Chase netted one to head 4-0 up.

Seventeen year old Liana Dance netted one midway through the third for 5-1. South Africa came within two of the Kiwis, heading into the final two minutes of the quarter, before three goals from Jasmine Myles, Nicole Lewis, and sister Danielle pushed New Zealand out to an 8-3 lead.

Hudson and Danielle Lewis both scored their second goals in the match for a 10-3 lead, and captain Jaz Myles put the cherry on top with her third for an 11-3 final score. Goalkeeper Brooke Millar had another top performance for New Zealand, keeping the net dry for three entire quarters.

New Zealand will now play for 13th place on Monday against France.

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