The Baby Pearls gained much needed exposure and experience at Oceania Qualifier.
The National 21&U Baby Pearls concluded their World Youth Cup Oceania Qualifier that was held from September 16– 21 in Rarotonga, Cook Islands. The Qualifiers was hosted by Oceania Netball in partnership with Netball Cook Islands, this event decided which countries compete in the Netball World Youth Cup 2025 to be hosted by Gibraltar Netball.
After one week of competition, Samoa has claimed the top spot with Tonga at second place while Cook Islands settled for third place. The three teams have secured their spot to the Netball World Youth Cup 2025.
While Fiji participated the in the qualifier, the Baby Pearls have already qualified for the NWYCafter finishing fourth at the last Youth World Cup.
The Baby Pearls played a total of four games at the Oceania Qualifier, they lost their first two games against Tifa Moana Samoa 21&U team and Tonga Tala 21&U. The Baby Pearls managed to secure their first Win in the World Youth Cup Oceania Qualifying campaign against PNG Pepes 21&U in their third match. In their final match at the qualifier, Baby Pearls lost their last match against host Cook Islands Netball 21&U.
Netball Fiji CEO said that the team has gained the exposure and game time they needed at the qualifiers.
“This is their first overseas outing, and the team has gained much exposure from their matches in this campaign.”
“This is something that they need, to play as much game time together against top teams from the region. The remainder of the squad members that did not go to the Cook Islands will play 3 matches against the Aotearoa Maori team that will be in Fiji this
week. These matches help our coaching team to identify player strengths and weaknesses.”
“This campaign has provided much needed experience, going up against top players from the region, the team has learned a lot, and this has added to their preparation for the upcoming World Youth Cup.”
The Baby Pearls arrive in Fiji Monday afternoon
