The Callie Human Hall in Bloemfontein saw another physical encounter as NWU took on UJ and dominated from start to finish to win 68-35.
NWU were off to quick start putting pressure on the UJ side building an early five-goal lead. Despite the physical presence of UJ captain, Rykie Venter, under the NWU goal post, the team from the North-West continued to extend their lead. With just under 4 minutes left in the first quarter, the first Powerplay was called and although UJ had an opportunity to close the gap, NWU were able to capitalise taking their lead to 11 goals.
By the end of the first quarter, NWU were well on their way with the scores standing at 21 goals to UJ’s 8.
UJ started the second quarter with much improvement and kept the effort going to close the deficit to 10. With six minutes left in the quarter, UJ made a substitution with Marileé van der Walt coming on at centre. UJ kept the NWU side on their toes with their shooters, Liza Kruger and Alicia Oosthuizen, keeping the scoreboard ticking over.
The UJ effort was rewarded with them winning the quarter 13 goals to 12 taking the half-time score to 33-21 in favour of the NWU.
The beginning of the second half looked promising for UJ as they capitalised on the first centre pass that they turned on an error by NWU. The team from Potch, however, was not letting up and in no time extended their lead further. Five minutes into the second half, UJ again replaced their centre with Kaylin Pienaar coming back on. This change was followed by another UJ change, with Nthabiseng Masehle replacing Sydney Crow in the wing defence position.
With two minutes left in the third quarter, NWU reached the 50 goal mark with a 26 goal lead. With the last 15 minutes to be played, NWU lead with 53 goals to 25.
The fourth quarter saw a few changes in the UJ camp, with Venter moving to goal defence and Pienaar moving to wing attack, with Beverley Moyake coming on in the centre position and Nompumelelo Mbonambi on in the goalkeeper position. On the NWU side Jessica du Plessis found herself in the centre bib, with Monique Reyneke moving to goalkeeper and Caitlinn Rosseau coming on at goal defence.
Shortly thereafter, the second Powerplay was called and was equally capitalised on, with both teams scoring one double-pointer each. This was followed by another change on the UJ side with Kruger moving to goal attack and Kendra Szeles coming on at goal shooter.
Despite having a much better quarter, UJ just wasn’t able to catch up to NWU who were determined to finish strong, ending the match 68 goals to 35.
Final score
NWU 68
UJ 35
Awards
FNB Player of the Match: Monique Reyneke (NWU)
Wimpy Moment Maker: Didintle Keebine (NWU)
MTN Interceptor of the Match: Monique Reyneke (NWU)
Teams
NWU: 13 Londeka Buthelezi, 3 Jessica du Plessis, 14 Kailah Ferreira, 17 Anelda Jacobs, 2 Didintle Keebine, 12 Leonie Maree, 8 Mirriam Maroba, 1 Monique Reyneke (captain), 11 Caitlinn Rousseau, 10 Lucy Strydom, 4 Adivhaho Tshivhiahuvhi, 5 Alicia van Staden.
Coach: Elsunet du Plessis
UJ: 12 Sydney Crow, 1 Liza Kruger, 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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