Northern Ireland shock Wales in NWC qualifier

Northern Ireland fought from behind to claim a shock 50-49 win over Welsh Feathers in their Netball World Cup 2027 qualifying opener.

The Warriors have taken a big step towards reaching next year's tournament by beating Wales, with the top two sides from a four-team tournament - which includes Scotland and the Republic of Ireland - advancing to Sydney.

Northern Ireland did not lead until the third quarter, as Wales dominated the early scoring but succumbed to their opponents' disruptive defensive display.

Wales - ranked ninth in the world - had led 17-12 at the end of the first quarter and 28-25 at half-time, but had no answer for Northern Ireland from then on.

After three failed attempts to level, 15th-ranked Northern Ireland eventually led late in the third quarter en route to winning the final two quarters 25-21.

In the later game, qualification tournament hosts Scotland trounced the Republic of Ireland 84-29, also taking them one step closer to the World Cup.

Wales are back in action on Saturday, 26 September, against the Republic of Ireland before rounding out their qualification bid against Scotland on Sunday, 27 September.

Northern Ireland face Scotland on Saturday and the Republic of Ireland on Sunday.

Friday, September 25

Wales 49-50 Northern Ireland

Scotland 84-29 Republic of Ireland

Saturday, September 26

Republic of Ireland v Wales 15:00 (BST)

Scotland v Northern Ireland 17:00 (BST)

Sunday, September 27

Northern Ireland v Republic of Ireland 12:00 (BST)

Scotland v Wales 14:00 (BST)