Tuks keep their spot at the top of the 2019 Varsity Netball log as they dominated the Gauteng derby against UJ, winning the match 62-33.
Tuks got the Gauteng derby underway by scoring the first five goals of the match, leaving UJ with little space for error early on in the game. Penalties and missed goals on the UJ side allowed Tuks to extend their lead to 16 goals to 3 at the end of the first quarter.
UJ had a better start to the second quarter with well-timed play down court, but with Tuks keeping their play clinical and interceptions and rebounds coming from Tuks goal defence, Akosua Mensah, UJ wasn’t able to close the gap.
With five minutes left in the second quarter, UJ made a change in the centre with Marileé van der Walt replacing a stricken Kaylin Pienaar.
The last two minutes of the first half saw interceptions from Tuks goalkeeper, Jasmine Ziegelmeier, which allowed the University of Pretoria side to maintain their lead, 28-12 at half time.
The beginning of the second half saw the Tuks side working patiently to get the ball into their goal circle. This was effected through personnel changes; Marlize de Bruin coming on in the centre bib, Lungile Mthembu moving back to wing defence after sitting out the second quarter, and Danielle van Zyl replacing Chantelle Swart on goal attack.
With nine minutes left in the quarter, Tuks called for their Powerplay. UJ did well to slow the game down and minimise the damage a Powerplay can cause, scoring two double pointers to Tuks’ three.
UJ coach and Protea captain, Bongi Msomi, showed her appreciation as her side played a spell of short, patient passes, complimented by a lovely conversion by goal shooter Liza Kruger.
The final two minutes of the third quarter saw yet another interception by Mensah, but the favour was immediately returned with an interception by UJ’s wing attack, Nobuhle Sibisi. Without letting up, Tuks continued their dominance to end the quarter with a 23 goal lead, 47-24.
UJ made changes from the final 15 minutes with vice-captain, Beverley Moyake, coming on at goal attack. Just over five minutes in to the final quarter, Mensah made way for Mbali Ntuli in the goalkeeper position.
With eight minutes left to play, UJ called their Powerplay. Although UJ lost their first opportunity to capitalise, they regained possession from an error in the Tuks goal circle. With a second chance to capitalise, an interception from Ntuli turned the possession again.
Despite the goal percentages being relatively even from both sides, Tuks finished strong with a 29 goal lead to win the trans-Juksei derby 62-33.
Final score
TUKS 62
UJ 33
Awards
FNB Player of the Match: Lungile Mthembu (Tuks)
Wimpy Moment Maker: Jasmine Ziegelmeier (Tuks)
MTN Interceptor of the Match: Akosua Mensah (Tuks)
Teams:
Tuks: 5 Marlize de Bruin (vice-captain), 16 Anique Grobler, 13 Venetia Grobler, 8 Akosua Mensah, 7 Lungile Mthembu, 9 Tracey Mthunzi, 2 Tshina Mdau (captain), 1 Mbali Ntuli, 4 Chantelle Swart, 3 Jamie van Wyk, 6 Danielle van Zyl, 11 Jasmine Ziegelmeier.
Coach: Jenny van Dyk
UJ: 1 Liza Kruger, 4 Chanelle Machimana, 16 Nthabiseng Masehle, 8 Nompumelelo Mbonambi, 13 Beverley Moyake (vice-captain), 14 Alicia Oosthuizen, 7 Kaylin Pienaar, 10 Nobuhle Sibisi, 15 Kendra Szeles, 9 Twanette Thoms, 2 Marileé van der Walt, 5 Rykie Venter (captain).
Coach: Bongiwe Msomi
By Mary Gordon
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