The Tala secured a well-deserved second Pool F win against the Scottish Thistles (55-47) thanks to a 92% finishing accuracy compared to the Thistles’ 75%.

BBC Sports reported that this is Tonga's first World Cup, but it was Scotland who went into this game as underdogs considering they are three places below their seventh-ranked opponents in the world standings.

The damage was done in the opening quarter, with goalshooter Uneeq Palavi and Hulita Veve combining magnificently to set up a 15-10 lead. However, the introduction of 17-year-old Emma Barrie up top improved the Scots' accuracy as they drew the second quarter 13-13.

Although, Tonga re-established dominance in the third quarter to stretch their advantage to 44-35.

The Thistle's captain, Claire Maxwell said, "We are disappointed with the final result.

"We had some good performances in there, I think we had more attempts than them and had more turnover ball. Unfortunately, we gave them too much ball. We need to park it quickly and move on to the next match."

Scotland showed great heart to outscore their opponents in the closing stages, but they had left themselves too much to do.

Palavi, who ended with an impressive 95% shooting accuracy, said they "just went out and had fun" but suggested it was ‘redemption’ for previous losses.

Meanwhile, the captain Veve admitted Scotland provided "a great challenge in a really tough battle."

Tonga's next game is with Malawi with the chance of finishing third in the six-team group.