Samoa defeated Tonga in their opening match. Photo: Facebook/Netball Cook Islands
Samoa and Fiji have qualified for the 2019 Netball World Cup after victories in Auckland last night.
Samoa withstood a formidable Cook Islands side to win 50-45 in Papakura.
Frances Solia's team established a five goal buffer after the opening quarter before the Black Pearls briefly drew level early in the third period.
However Samoa quickly re-established their advantage before closing out a third straight victory of the Oceania Qualifiers.
Meanwhile Fiji outclassed Papua New Guinea 55-34 in the later match to also make it three successive wins and join Samoa in sealing their spot at next year's World Cup in Liverpool.
The Pacific rivals will put their unbeaten records on the line in this afternoon's final qualifying round, with local bragging rights up for grabs.
The Cook Islands take on Tonga in the early match, while Papua New Guinea finished with one win from their four matches.
Fiji recorded their first win since the 2015 World Cup. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
