In the words of the NWU captain, Chanté Bester, it was the start that they were looking for as they bagged a victory of 40-34 against Tuks at the Callie Human Hall in Bloemfontein, which was a repeat of last year’s Varsity Netball final.
NWU had the advantage in the first quarter but as they took their power play things backfired, as they couldn’t manage to score a single goal. Tuks narrowed their disadvantage with great success pulling it back to 10-8.
After a tight first 15 minutes, the NWU shooters, Anja Esterhuizen and Jessica Du Plessis, struggled in the circle but with the team’s creativity and attacking play from the likes of Mandy Hermanus, they managed to lead at half time, 20-16 against Tuks.
The third quarter was full of little mistakes by both teams but coach Jenny van Dyk’s team from Pretoria stood tall in their defence. In comparison with Tuks, the NWU side used their attacking opportunities to greater effect, extending their lead to 29-22 as they faced the last quarter with Tuks’s power play still in the bag.
Tuks took their power play in the last 9 minutes of the encounter to put them back in the game as they narrowed the score to 32-31, still in the favour of the ladies in maroon and black. It was a nail-biting finish but Tuks had to be satisfied with second place on the day.
FNB Player of the Match: Jasmine Ziegelmeier (Tuks)
Samsung Best Shot Award: Jessica du Plessis (NWU)
Teams
Tuks: Chante Louw, Dune Streutker, Rumandi Potgieter, Jeanette Vermeulen, Anique Grobler, Marlize de Bruin, Tshina Mdau, Akosua Mensah, Lungile Mthembu, Shadine van der Merwe, Juzelri Garbers, Jasmine Ziegelmeier
NWU: 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
By Raynique Meyer
The post NWU too strong for Tuks in repeat of 2016 final appeared first on .