In the opening game of a bumper weekend in Port Elizabeth, table-toppers Tuks extended their unbeaten run and lead at the top of the table with a routine but dominating 78-32 win over UWC.
Tuks, sporting black socks in support of gender-based violence, made light work of the ladies from Cape Town who had their own femicide tributes and in memory of the late Chester Williams – a former Springbok and erstwhile UWC rugby coach.
With the first Powerplay taken within the first few seconds after centre pass, Tuks confidently took a 20-4 lead at the end of the first quarter. Speed, size and skill were all in favour of the table toppers. FNB Player of the Match Chantelle Swart and Danielle van Zyl got in shooting practice with too much space in the ring and the UWC defence stood no chance.
The second quarter was much of the same, Tuks dominating, making the most of the second Powerplay and leading the one way traffic taking a 46-12 lead into half time. The two teams were on different levels, but UWC still managed to put together some good moves to show they can play.
The ladies from Pretoria, being led in centre court by captain Tshina Mdau, showed their dominance in their passing, with almost no passes going astray. It was clear to see why they have emerged favourites to win the 2019 edition of Varsity Netbal.
The third quarter brought the 50 (and bonus point) up for Tuks and allowed them to make changes to their team and get all their ladies on the court. UWC started to improve, having their best quarter yet. It was never going to be enough, but they did not give up. We were also treated to impressive long range strikes from UWC’s Wimpy Moment Maker Vendjihonga Katjaimo.
The final quarter was only about finishing off the job for the side from Pretoria with Venetia Grobler leading the onslaught, while still showing their skill and dominance in defence and centre court.
It was a good all-round performance from Tuks, extending their lead at the top of the table, taking bonus points from all three of their games so far and registering the highest points scored in this year’s Varsity Netball so far.
Final score
TUKS 78
UWC 32
Awards
FNB Player of the Match: Chantelle Swart (Tuks)
Wimpy Moment Maker: Vendijhonga Katjaimo (UWC)
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
UWC: 12 Courtleigh Behr, 3 Wilmedine Boer, 7 Jade Carnow, 1 Amber Coraizin, 15 Aimee Cupido, 6 Gillian Fortuin, 4 Vendjihonga Katjaimo (vice-captain), 9 Heidi Kuzatjike, 13 Gailynn Potts, 14 Anuschka Snyders, 5 Keesha van Schalkwyk, 8 Jami Vermeulen.
Coach: Janine du Toit
By Shawn Marsh
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