Cook Islands netball team is still in high spirits despite being defeated by Sri Lanka 63-52 on Day 3 of the Mirxes Nations Cup in Singapore.

Netball Cook Islands Secretary and co-coach Tekura Moekaa said: “The team is still in high spirits and looking at this as a benchmark to build towards the Pacific Games.”

She said: “Unforced errors crept in that Sri Lanka was able to score off, meaning Cooks were chasing all game.”

Moekaa said they will be facing Canada and Papua New Guinea next.

A statement from the Mirxes Nations Cup media team said this was another physical battle as Sri Lanka faced the Cook Islands, with the Asian champions clinching their first win of the Mirxes Nations Cup, triumphing by 11 goals with a score of 63-52.

Sri Lanka came out of the blocks in the first quarter and showcased a clinical display, while the Cook Islands struggled with several unforced errors and poor shooting in the first 15 minutes.

However, Cook Islands managed to regroup in the second quarter, winning it 15-13.

The third quarter mirrored the first, with Sri Lanka maintaining their clinical play, scoring 17 goals with an 85 per cent shooting accuracy, while the Cook Islands managed only 10 goals with a 63 per cent shooting accuracy.

In the final quarter, both teams fought fiercely, with Sri Lanka successfully holding off the Cook Islands' pressure to secure their first victory in the tournament.

Meanwhile, Moekaa said for their match against Singapore’s main side where they lost 36-58, Singapore was more clinical and played with speed that Cooks could not keep up with.

She said defence Nicol Tiaore and Norma Pepewere turning over ball but not getting capitalised and  Singapore won 58-36 as Singapore were shutting down their attacking options

“We would like to thank our family and friends for your generous donation as this assisted the team in purchasing meals during the day.”

Netball Singapore (@netballsingapore) on social media for the latest updates and live coverage of the Cook Islands next match.