The NWU made an early statement that they are eager to hold onto their title as Varsity Netball champs when they thumped the University of Johannesburg (UJ) in the opening match of the 2017 competition in Bloemfontein. The scoreboard read 59-25 to the NWU who earned a bonus point for scoring 50 or more goals.
What they’ll especially be very happy about, is the fact that they only conceded those 25 goals. Last year in the corresponding fixture they leaked 37 goals and in 2015 it was 52.
Goal defender, Monique Reyneke, as well as goal keeper, Simoné Rabie, were way too sharp and quick and gave the UJ shooters nightmares in the shooting circle.
Going into the final quarter UJ would have had some minor hopes of an upset, trailing by 24-34. UJ called the first power play (a two-minute period where goals score double) early on when they trailed by 24-37.
But when goal attack, Tanya Liechterkost, lost control of the ball in the circle, things went horrible wrong from there onwards. They couldn’t score a single goal in either of the power plays whilst the NWU nailed seven shots (counting 14 points). The winning team won the final quarter by 25-1. Their experience and class clearly showed.
They are up against Tuks on Monday (in Bloemfontein) which is a rematch of last year’s final. UJ has the daunting task of facing Kovsies in front of their home supporters.
FNB Player of the Match: Romé Dreyer (NWU)
Samsung Best Shot: Anja Esterhuizen (NWU)
Teams
Pukke: Anja Esterhuizen, Jessica du Plessis, Mandy Hermanus, Romé Dreyer, Chanté Bester, Monique Reyneke, Simoné Rabie, Marike Maree, Didi Keebine, Nicole Amiras , Zandre Erasmus, Claudia vd Berg
UJ: Tanya Liechterkost, Kim-roché Holmes, Precious Mhlari, Angelique Molefe, Ntokozo Ramaremisa, Halala Nxumalo, Jodie Brown, Erin van Wyk, Courtenay Davis, Keabetswe Sihlangu, Kamohelo Masilo, Nompumelelo Mbonambi
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