Scotland have missed out on top spot in Group H of the qualification round of the Netball World Cup after losing out 48-42 to Fiji.

After wins over Barbados and Sri Lanka, the Thistles went into their contest with Fiji, who are seventh in the world rankings, in confident mood and in the first quarter, Gemma Sole and Lesley MacDonald netted 15 goals between them to give them a slender advantage.

However, Fiji struck back during the middle stages of the game, taking the second and third quarters by scores of 13-10 and 13-8 respectively.

Scotland created more opportunities in the final quarter, but after it ended nine goals apiece, their brave effort went unrewarded.

Either Trinidad & Tobago or Samoa will be their next opponent in the placing match at the weekend.