Scotland lost 53-40 to Northern Ireland in their opening match in the World Youth Championships in the Cook Islands.

The Scots established a three-goal lead early on but Northern Ireland came back to lead 13-12 after the first quarter.

"The girls played well for two quarters," said national coach Denise Holland.

"Our shooting was excellent. Gillian Hamilton was injured before the game which was a shame. Defensively we did well against their national squad shooter, Lisa Bowman'.

Scotland face New Zealand in their next match.