Wales beat Tonga in last warm-up for Commonwealths

What the report says

BBC Sport Wales reported that Wales finished their Commonwealth Games netball preparations with a 65-52 win over Tonga in an uncapped warm-up match in Cardiff on 19 July 2026. The Welsh Feathers made a strong start, with goal shooter Georgia Rowe prominent in attack and goal attack Phillipa Yarranton helping Wales build a 19-goal first quarter and a five-goal advantage.

Tonga, led in the shooting circle by Uneeq Palavi, narrowed the gap to 32-29 by half-time, but Wales pulled away after the break. They extended the lead in the third quarter and added 17 goals in the final period to secure a 13-goal victory. The result came against a close rival in the global standings, with Wales ranked seventh and Tonga eighth.

The match was also Wales head coach Emily Handyside’s final home game before she steps down after the Commonwealth Games. BBC reported that Handyside said the contest gave Wales the level of physical preparation they wanted and praised the team’s work at both ends of the court. Yarranton, named player of the match, said the encounter offered valuable exposure to the intensity of international netball.

Wales’ 12-player Games squad received their dresses from family members before heading to Glasgow. Captain Bethan Dyke is set for her fourth Commonwealth Games. Wales open their pool campaign against Uganda on Saturday, 25 July, followed by fixtures against Scotland, Trinidad and Tobago, New Zealand and Jamaica. Tonga begin against world number one Australia.