England netball team returns to winning ways

England bounced back from a difficult loss to world number one side Australia with a 73-38 victory over Malawi at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

There was no hangover from the 66-47 loss to Australia as England cruised into a 18-9 lead in the first quarter.

England consistently kept their advantage throughout before stepping it up in the final quarter to allow Malawi just five points to the Roses' 18.

Goal shooter Eleanor Cardwell proved to be an influential substitution, scoring all of her 21 shots following her introduction in the second half.

"After yesterday's loss, we've definitely turned things around and fixed some of the things we got wrong," said vice-captain Amy Carter.

"At the start of a tournament, a loss isn't actually a bad thing to have. In the last 24 hours, we've looked at video, righted some of the wrongs, connected as a group, had a games night and just spent time together as team-mates.

"We didn't get too bogged down by it because we've got to look forward."

The Roses are third in Pool A behind reigning champions Australia and South Africa.

They will next face Tonga on Wednesday at 16:00 BST before playing South Africa - their rivals for a place in the semi-finals - on Thursday at 21:00 BST.

England are looking to regain the gold they won in 2018 but have had a rocky preparation for the tournament.

Jess Thirlby stepped down as head coach in March for family reasons, leaving assistant Anna Stembridge in interim charge, while injuries to Helen Housby and Natalie Metcalf mean 10 of the Roses' 12-player squad have made their Commonwealth debuts in Glasgow.

Tonga recorded their first ever Commonwealth Games win as they beat Northern Ireland 58-52 in an enthralling game at the Hydro.

After two defeats from their first two games, Tonga started well on Monday and led 15-11 after a clinical first quarter.

It was a more competitive second quarter as the Warriors, who had also suffered two losses from their first two games, fought back but they still trailed 31-26 at the half-time break.

Tonga pulled away again in the third period to lead 45-37 and closed out the victory despite Northern Ireland outscoring them in the final quarter.

The result leaves Northern Ireland bottom of Pool A before a tough game against South Africa on Tuesday at 14:00.